Reduced energy levels

[glosman]

Hi, I have an unknown type of cerebellar ataxia & am finding that with the fading sunlight/daylight & changing weather as we move into winter my energy levels are reducing by the day. I go to bed tired & wake up tired -- does anyone else have similar experiences & any suggestions or ideas as to what to do or take to try to help????

[lonesome]

Hi.....I am the same as you......they have not been able to pin down the type of SCA I have.

My energy levels decrease the same as yours do.....I sleep for a few hours in the afternoon and , like you, I wake up with the feeling of unrest.

Its strange as some parts of me feel a bit refreshed but my mind is totally cloudy.

Its a case of learn to live with it I have found.....unless anyone has any suggestions like you have asked?

[oniki44]

Hi Glosman and Lonesome - same here, cause of my Cerebellar Ataxia not known, permanently exhausted and worse during the winter months. Lack of Vitamin D perhaps? Forgot what it feels like to wake up refreshed. What helps me enormously is to go for a walk (with my two walking sticks) to clear my head in the fresh air and also any kind of distraction. When I have visitors, go somewhere nice or get absorbed in my hobbies, I feel a totally different person and the brain fog goes, albeit temporarily. I also take 5-HTP tablets, available from Health Food stores, which give me a feeling of well-being, but the effect does wear off after a while, so I leave it for a few months before I start again. We are all different, but it may help. All the best - Oniki

[scruffycat]

MY ENERGY LEVELS SEEM VERY LOW AT THE MOMENT. THE MORE I TRY TO WORK IT OUT, THE WORSE MY ENERGY LEVELS AND SLEEP LEVELS SEEM TO GET. I'M ALSO TYRING TO LOOK AFTER.

[Litty]

Snap on the energy levels. I need to try to have a 2 hours sleep in the afternoon. Try and be as active as you can and get outside as much as possible : )

[HarryB Administrator]

Hi glosman

It is very common for energy levels to reduce amongst the general population when we go into Winter, the weather deteriorates, it becomes colder and we have less daylight. Unfortunately people with ataxia can experience this more severely. We have reduced energy levels anyway and Winter makes a bad situation even worse for us.

Personally speaking, I know the afternoons are much worse for myself and like others above, I often have a sleep. As such I try do things in the morning. This is not always possible but I find it good to try and work towards. Occupational Therapists teach fatigue management, pacing yourself, prioritising tasks, regular rest breaks, and it might be helpful to ask your OT about this. If you do not have an OT you could ask your GP to refer you to one.

Best wishes

Harriet

[Wyndham]

Glad to know that we are in good company. I have cut down on my medication and that has reduced my sleepiness, but of course this may not be suitable for everyone. If you are on meds, it might be worth checking with your GP if any change or reduction in meds are possible.