I’ve had a problem for as long as I can remember with falling asleep when I shouldn’t. It happens basically anytime I’m not actively engaged in an activity. For example: in class, at work, while driving. It’s not that I stay up late or don’t get enough sleep. I get at least 6-7 hours of sleep a night, and I start getting very tired around 8:30 or 9 p.m. In fact, I am pretty much starting to shut down right now. This drives Boyfriend David crazy because he is a night person.
Obviously the falling asleep while driving thing is dangerous, and I’ve gotten better at handling that by calling someone or pulling over when it starts to happen. Falling asleep in class isn’t the end of the world to me. It’s not good when it happens at work, though, and I really hope no one catches me.
But today my clinical group of 8, plus my instructor, met for pre-conference. A man from APS came and showed us a video and then talked to us about the services they provide. We were in a small room with only ten people present, and I was sitting right next to the guy. I wasn’t bored – he was interesting – but the sleep came over me and although I fought it with all of my willpower I could not overcome it.
I thought that I was concealing it, but after the presentation was over and the man left, my instructor pulled me aside. “Are you getting enough rest?” she asked me. In a very polite and concerned manner she proceeded to tell me that she has noticed me sleeping on multiple occasions and at different times of day. She said that it was embarrassing when I was sleeping during the presentation. She told me that I should talk to a doctor about this issue because people will perceive me to be rude or lazy when that’s not the case.
I was so embarrassed. I seriously doubt that I have any kind of medical issue that makes me especially tired because I don’t have any other symptoms. David says I just do too much and that I need to take in more caffeine if I want to continue my current lifestyle.
Do any of you struggle with something similar? I don’t understand why I’m tired all the time. It is extremely frustrating.
From Carmen:
Kat, I can’t believe you fell asl…zzzzzzzzzzzz
From Tabaitha:
My mom has the same issue and actually went did a study at a sleep doctor. I believe he told her it has to do with hormones. I don’t know how much of that is true and what the cure for it is, or if there is even one. Maybe you should do a sleep study. Sometimes they are free if they need volunteers.
From Katy:
Kathleen, you know those medical studies you do sometimes? You should do a sleep one! Then you could figure out what the deal is. I think it’s perfectly normal to be sleepy at certain times of day (I get zonked around 4 p.m. every afternoon), but if you’re constantly falling asleep at random times, that could be cause for concern.
From Julienne:
Reading some of your archives and I can completely sympathize with this. If I feel the slightest bit tired and I’m not doing something active I’m out like a light. My first week at this job I actually fell asleep while videotaping something! Let’s just say that it wasn’t a very exciting video!