Tired All The Time Without Coffee

[A Theist]

Honestly, I'm kind of like this: about two years ago, I developed a sort of lethargy and felt constantly sleepy. And bear in mind, I was 25 at the time. And surprisingly, even caffeine did little to alleviate it. The doctors aren't sure what it is, but eventually, one prescribed Nuvigil and it works reasonably well. Sometimes, I still get a bit over-tired (especially in the mornings), but at least I'm not overcome with drowsiness all day long now.

My Son in Law manages two sleep disorder labs and your description fits perfectly what he sees every day. Have you been checked for any kind of sleep disorders? Possibly sleep apnea?

[Rev. Rye]

I had to Google that.

If you're talking about Nuvigil, be warned it can be very expensive, and insurance may not cover it. I get it through a loophole in my Dad's plan (he has sleep apnea, which can be treated with Nuvigil, while I, lacking an official diagnosis besides "idiopathic hypersomnia" am not covered, fortunately, he never uses the Nuvigil, and my doctor approves of using this loophole to my advantage because if it means the difference between me being able to function in daily life, it's likely worth it). The doctor says it'll be getting cheaper any day now ($2 a pill, he says). Hopefully, it'll be cheap some day. Fortunately, I only use half a 150 mil tablet per day.

[Edwardo Piet]

[Rev. Rye]

Honestly, I'm kind of like this: about two years ago, I developed a sort of lethargy and felt constantly sleepy. And bear in mind, I was 25 at the time. And surprisingly, even caffeine did little to alleviate it. The doctors aren't sure what it is, but eventually, one prescribed Nuvigil and it works reasonably well. Sometimes, I still get a bit over-tired (especially in the mornings), but at least I'm not overcome with drowsiness all day long now.

My Son in Law manages two sleep disorder labs and your description fits perfectly what he sees every day. Have you been checked for any kind of sleep disorders? Possibly sleep apnea?

The official diagnosis I've been given is "idiopathic hypersomnia." They have no idea what the cause is, and both my therapist and my psychiatrist have ruled out full-fledged narcolepsy (they have seen full-fledged narcolepsy; in particular, my therapist had a student with narcolepsy who fell asleep during one of her classes), but they do think it might be a lesser form, since, unaided, I can stave off falling asleep with difficulty, even if I end up doing what I can to find somewhere I can fall asleep without bothering anyone. Looking up, Sleep apnea, the symptoms don't seem to fit mine that well. At any rate, the Nuvigil seems to work pretty well at containing it.

[Edwardo Piet]

If you're talking about Nuvigil, be warned it can be very expensive, and insurance may not cover it.

I'm not worried about that. All my prescriptions are free.

[Athene]

I've never even heard of it. I've had lots of blood tests but I don't think I've ever had that one.

Hmm. I may misremember I may have had a blood test for it around the time of the first before my last urine test. I had some sort of blood test around that time. Maybe it was for that. I don't remember what it was for.

If you get more sleep, get a little exercise, and/or start eating better, and STILL find yourself exhausted most of the time, I'd suggest you quit guessing, as there are numerous conditions/ailments that present with fatigue as a symptom. Go to the doctor and get some blood work done. I don't know how long it's been since you've last had that done, or what you had done...but shit changes, man.  Hell, my last labs were gloat-worthy. Seriously; they were that awesome.

But, I'd been increasing my daily Red Bull from 1 to up to 3 cans a day (shhhh...tell no one) due to persistent fatigue over the past few months. I went to the doc's, had my labs done, and got my answers: Extremely low Vitamin D levels, and goddamned iron deficiency anemia.

Point is, there may be clear answers to be had. Why not find out? 
Then a more focused approach could be used in addressing your problem.

[Edwardo Piet]

Well, speaking of energy drinks, the damage done to my teeth from energy drinks is FAR worse than any of these fatigue symptoms. And even I have never drank even one can daily. It was more like one every 2 days. If you keep up 3 drinks of Red Bull every day, the biggest worry should be that all the erosion damage done to your teeth is permanent, and the effect is done from the acid in it so sugar free versions won't do any help. Take care Thena!

Thanks for the advice by the way, I do go to the Doctors every now and then. I just get tired when I just get told "you're fine" over and over but I don't feel fine, lol.

[Athene]

Dude...use a STRAW!

Good luck, man. Hope you feel better soon.

[Edwardo Piet]

I heard using a straw helps.... but does it really help significantly?

[Athene]

So, I've heard. Depends on how good one's gag reflex is, I suppose.

I'm (somewhat) serious.