Sleeping too much

[Mduitsman]

I am on about 10 different meds 2of them have side effects of sleepiness. I justgot weaned off the prednisone which I think was counter balencing the meds. Now I am getting 10 to 12 hours of sleep sometimes it is because I am going to the bathroom so much but even on nights when I only have one bowel movement I am still sleeping to much. If I set an alarm and get up after 8 hours sleep I end up napping all day. Could this be fatigue caused by the Crohns? Or depression? Would love to get this under control.

 

[DustyKat]

Hi Mduitsman,

I am so very sorry for the late reply. I have only just found your question in the submit a question forum. Unfortunately we are having issues with that forum just now so I have moved your question here, the General Discussion forum.

I have don't have any personal experience with what you are dealing with but I do know that when my children were flaring they slept an inordinate amount of time.

You may be interested in this poll...

How long do you sleep?

Dusty. xxx

 

[Mary:)]

It could be
all 3 the meds, depression and Crohns. Make sure you are getting all the vitamins you need. Especially D3, B12. If it were me I would ask my dr to check blood work for anemia and vitamin levels and go from there. Good luck!

 

[nogutsnoglory]

It can be caused by Crohn's, depression and the meds. All can cause major fatigue, the main way to combat it is to eat healthy, have a sleep schedule and be active during the day if possible and exercise.

 

[lilma]

Hi, I am new to the site and this is my first submission. I have UC and have had this disease for several years. I too, sleep an awful lot. I put it down to a flare up and meds too. Perhaps lack of iron also. Have you had recent blood tests? I am on infliximab by infusion every 6 weeks, -( have been weaned off prednisolone), methotrexate by injection every week and mezzanine daily, so is it any wonder we need more sleep than normal. It is a dreadful feeling isn't it - sending gentle hugs

 

[Beach]

As others mention, I'd guess the sleepiness could be brought about by your Crohn's, depression, and/or medications.

Something that might be helpful during this time is using a SAD light. Light treatment is used for winter time blues, and resetting ones circadian sleep rhythm. I've found SAD lights also tend to wake me up, giving an energy boost.

Getting out on a sunny day for 15 plus minutes helps too.

One write up I recall on this ~

"Light therapy found to benefit energy and wellbeing in the winter"

http://www.drbriffa.com/2011/08/23/...o-benefit-energy-and-wellbeing-in-the-winter/

 

[CameronJackson]

As others mention, I'd guess the sleepiness could be brought about by your Crohn's, depression, and/or medications.

Something that might be helpful during this time is using a SAD light. Light treatment is used for winter time blues, and resetting ones circadian sleep rhythm. I've found SAD lights also tend to wake me up, giving an energy boost.

Getting out on a sunny day for 15 plus minutes helps too.

One write up I recall on this ~

"Light therapy found to benefit energy and wellbeing in the winter"

Tough to believe SAD light will work in this case.. But i am too sleeping alot so I will try the therapy and get back to normal routine

 

[scanners20]

I sleep a lot cause of my Crohns. I also have Arthritis. I take naps all the time.

 

[sickofcrohns]

I just got weaned off the prednisone which I think was counter balencing the meds. Now I am getting 10 to 12 hours of sleep sometimes it is because I am going to the bathroom so much but even on nights when I only have one bowel movement I am still sleeping to much. If I set an alarm and get up after 8 hours sleep I end up napping all day. Could this be fatigue caused by the Crohns? Or depression? Would love to get this under control.

I'm in the exact same situation -- got off prednisone (after 10.5 years), and since then, generally need to sleep double digits. Anything less at night and I am unable to function during the day without at least one nap. It's hell for work. I was even prescribed low doses of Ritalin to help keep me awake and alert, but today I took one and still had to leave work at 3 and sleep for 2 hours before I could even think about making a sandwich for dinner. And the fatigue gets worse for me the more my Remicade wears off. (I do use a SAD light in winter, and it helps with my mood, but not the fatigue).

Anyway, the fatigue you have could have multiple causes, as you mentioned. It's worth discussing the situation with your doctor(s).

In the meantime, a regular schedule, healthy diet and exercise (if and when you can manage it) help. (The exercise may knock you out at first, but doing it regularly seems to help me in the long term).

Good luck!