Why am I always sleep deprived?

Hello

Sorry you haven't had more replies.

I am familiar with sleep problems so thought I'd chime in. I've labelled what I know as (medical) and what I think as (opinion) in my comments below.

Its surprising you say you are still tired after 8 hours sleep..

a) Are you sure you sleep the full 8 hours, and don't repeatedly wake up (eg due to snoring)? This could account for you not actually being rested even though you don't wake up fully (opinion)

b) Your work routine is not ideal (sorry). Sleep patterns are governed by the circadian rhythm which is to do with serotonin and melatonin in our brain; typically we have high serotonin in response to sunlight (so are awake at sunrise) and higher melatonin at night (so we sleep when we get dark) because the brain manufactures serotonin or melatonin in response to sunlight/darkness respectively (medical). Your routine doesn't fit how people have typically worked throughout human history, so could contribute to sleep issues (opinion).

so as I see it, you do not get enough "night" sleep. And believe it or not, contrary to popular believe, it is proven that the human mind and body get the best rest during the night. It is at these hours that your brain produces essential chemicals to refresh your entire system.

It is either this or you might be having CFS.

Have you had some traumatic experience in recent times?

Thank you so much for all your valuable replies. I wish you all a happy new year.

To answer all the questions:

I sleep the full 8 hours as I do not snore or something. Occasionally, I go to the bathroom but it's kind of rare.

Yes, my sleeping pattern may be the reason. I think also it's because I spend the whole day working or sitting in a bus for a long time (long commutation time).

I don't take any vitamins. I still didn't have any blood tests yet.

When I wake up, I'll open the window to see sunlight instead of sitting in bed for 15 min trying to get out of bed 😄

Have you had some traumatic experience in recent times?

Well, I googled CFS and I may not have it because sometimes symptoms disappear.

Maybe 2019 could bring a change in career?

I asked my boss at work to get less working ours for this month with lower salary. He agreed after a long discussion. This will enhance my sleeping pattern and will get me enough time to rest. If it doesn't work, i'll go to a doctor.

Thank you again for all the replies. I appreciate that.

Hi,

I've just seen your post, and the possibility that came to mind was that you are showing symptoms of sleep apnoea. I recognise them because it's a condition that I have!

My initial symptoms that I went to my GP with were feeling tired all the time despite having a good 8 hours or more sleep per night! I went asking about a blood test (which I got anyway), but my GP recognised the symptoms as being those of Sleep Apnoea. However, generally people with apnoea will snore, which you said that you don't. I assume that you have someone with you who would notice!

I snored a bit (and on one occasion I really scared the bejeesus out of my then-girlfriend, as she said that I stopped breathing in my sleep, and she didn't know what the heck she should do!

If you haven't already, and are still suffering from the tiredness, I would suggest that you visit your GP and explain the symptoms to them - they may recommend a blood test, or a sleep study.

Good luck 😃

There can actually be a great many factors contributing to your sleep deprivation: possible sleep apnea, not being able to get into your REM cycle, circadian rhythm disruption, etc.

Sleep deprivation can have a number of short- and long-term consequences including: impaired attention, daytime sleepiness, problems with memory, and increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and depression.

It is always best practice to contact your primary care physicians with your concerns. But feel free to try these tips to fall asleep: spend at least 20 minutes in a dark, cool room prior to going to bed, lower the temperature, avoid caffeine too close to bed, consider napping, and exercise/train early, if possible.

You may find the following article interesting: https://www.cenegenics.com/2018/07/28/how-to-fall-asleep/, it talks about many of the reasons we can’t fall asleep as well as potential consequences of long term sleep deprivation.