Re: Feeling terrible after a nap ???

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Re: Feeling terrible after a nap ???

Posted by LadyNightOwl on October 01, 2002 at 07:01:37:
In Reply to: Feeling terrible after a nap ??? posted by Larz on September 30, 2002 at 19:27:11:
I wouldn't rule out the possibility of a medical problem--however, that isn't the only possible explanation. There's an expression in psychology, which goes for medial problems as well: when you hear hoofbeats, look for horses, not zebras. You should consider the simple explanations before you start worrying about more obscure ones.
So let's talk simple. Are you getting enough sleep at night (8+ uniterrupted hours)? When you nap, do you allow yourself to wake up naturally, or do you force yourself to get up before you're ready? If you are slipping into a very deep sleep or dreaming during your naps--which is entirely possible when you nap for that long, especially if you are overtired to begin with--then coming out of that sleep too abruptly can cause the sort of disorientation, achiness, and weakness you've been experiencing. Have you ever been jolted awake by an alarm clock or phone call in the middle of a dream? It's a similar principle--and if it's ever happened to you, you know that sometimes that tired, headachy feeling can last all day.
As for your heart racing, it may not be related to your sleep problems--smoking, caffiene, and stress can just as easily bring on that sort of attack, especially since you've been prone to panic attacks in the past. It may be that your heart is pounding because you're worried about your other symtpoms. I'm not suggesting that you ignore it, of course; only that it may go away on its own if you deal with the underlying problem. If it doesn't, I would certainly consult a doctor.
My advice to you is to examine your sleep patterns--make sure you're getting a full night's sleep, and that when you DO feel you need to nap, you allow yourself to wake naturally. If you're sleeping properly, you may find that you can eliminate the naps altogether, and this problem will become a nonissue.
Hope this helps!
-LadyNightOwl

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Re: Re: Feeling terrible after a nap ??? LARZ 17:15 10/01/02 (0)

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Sleep Deprivation due to Sleep Apnea and insufficient sleep are common and can present as insomnia, narcolepsy, or idiopathic hypersomnia. In infants and children sleep problems commonly present themselves as ADD or ADHD.