How to stay awake?: Hi Most days around this... - Thyroid UK

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How to stay awake?

Justine_Case profile image
14 Replies

Hi Most days around this time - 3 to 4 pm, I feel absolutely exhausted, and reckon I could fall asleep instantly if I was able to.

I am assuming this is a 'thyroid thing'.

Does anyone have any tips on keeping awake and alert, other than caffeine?

When I drink coffee it does wake me up a bit, but makes me feel jittery, plus sometimes keeps me awake later when I need to sleep.

Recommendations appreciated!

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Justine_Case profile image
Justine_Case
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14 Replies
Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2

I know the feeling. Usually try to get out into the fresh air.

Justine_Case profile image
Justine_Case in reply toHylda2

Hi I would - and do, when I'm not working. Otherwise I just have to get on with it :(

HeartWoman profile image
HeartWoman

Have you had a sleep study? Many hypos end up with sleep apnea. I am in that category and know many others. That is just a thought.

Justine_Case profile image
Justine_Case in reply toHeartWoman

No sleep study, but I may have sleep apnea, due to my symptoms.

Also I definitely have TMJ and teeth grind when asleep.

HeartWoman profile image
HeartWoman in reply toJustine_Case

I am working to get both my CPAP pressure and thyroid optimized right now. I am so tired as well. I use to be a high energy person. I hope she comes back.

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador

Think that is a standard time for an adrenal crash when cortisol levels dip, have you tried an adrenal cocktail to give them a lift?

Caffeine will give the lift but leave them more exhausted afterwards

Justine_Case profile image
Justine_Case in reply toTiggerMe

I had a private 9am cortisol blood test, which said I had slightly elevated levels.

I was getting 'adrenaline surges' which I am not having so frequently now.

My cholesterol has been high since my 20's I do think I may have had this Hashimotos a long time.

I am hoping my cholesterol will improve a bit once I am allowed on Levothyroxine.

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador in reply toJustine_Case

I think most of us come to the realization that we have been suffering for considerably longer than the diagnosis 🙄

It would be a good thing to give your adrenals some love before starting as it will help when you do add levo in 🤗 and like you say it'll likely drop your cholesterol

High morning cortisol is quite often followed by a slump later in the day

Blissful profile image
Blissful

Throughout the day, do you keep yourself properly hydrated? What time and generally what do you eat for lunch - it maybe related to your blood sugar level.

Justine_Case profile image
Justine_Case in reply toBlissful

Yes I drink plenty of water.

My blood sugars are all over the place. GP is aware, and I have been tested again recently for diabetes.

I have cut down on carbs and sugar, plus am gluten dairy and soy free sigh...

Blissful profile image
Blissful

What was tested? Elevated fasting blood glucose, elevated LDL cholesterol and elevated triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, means you most likely have insulin resistance which is the precursor to full blown diabetes 2. Have you had the HbA1c test?

If it was me, I would completely ditch sugar, review the type and quality of carbs I was eating, and eat some quality dairy. If it were me, globally I would ban all soy - regardless if it's GMO or not, it's a nasty bean that destroys the health of animals and humans alike! If it were me I would revisit the gluten free story - obviously if you are coeliac or know you feel better without it, then stick with it.

Also avoid all processed and ultra processed food, all the colas etc!

Justine_Case profile image
Justine_Case in reply toBlissful

Hi I have had the HbA1c test, twice in the last year, with good results.

Sugar I have cut down on a lot, likewise carbs.

Gluten - I don't have celiac, but upon eating gluten, I get a burning itchy rash on my scalp, which drives me mad!

So no gluten because of this.

Dairy seems to make me feel worse. Soy, I absolutely cannot tolerate this anymore. If I accidentally eat any I am really ill.

I will work on improving my sugar intake, same with processed foods.

arTistapple profile image
arTistapple

All of the above Justine_Case. I am starting today by changing my Vit C to around 3 o’clock to deal with my late afternoon slump around 5 pm. I read that it’s helpful and as I take it anyway I thought I would try just moving it to another time.

Justine_Case profile image
Justine_Case in reply toarTistapple

Hi That's a good idea I will try vitamin C thank you!

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