help needed with symptoms

[R.Marie]

I am experiencing severe fatigue.  I fall asleep even when I have tons of things to do...things that I like to do.  I used to exercise regularly and I enjoyed it so much, but now I have no energy, and when I do have a minute of free time I'm sleeping, but I don't feel like I'm sleeping by choice.  I also have been experiencing some very strong head aches on occasion.  I feel I am very healthy otherwise.  I'm in my mid 20's, I eat well, and get plenty of night time sleep.  Two of my close friends suggested depression, but I don't know what I would be depressed about.  I have a great life with tons of potential for more.  I'm starting to worry about all of this sleeping, because I am sleeping through hours of the day when I could be studying (I'm a college student), or exercising, or doing other things I enjoy.  For example, I recently went to my first NBA game, and as a sports fan I was so excited to be there.  To my horror, my husband was waking me up durring the fourth period because I had nodded off!! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  I don't want to be this tired and unenergetic all the time.

[HFHS M.D.-SW]

Dear R. Marie,

It must be difficult trying to function with these complains.
The symptoms you are discribing are suggestive of Clinical Depression.
Depression may present as feelings of sadness, guilt, uselessness & futility. Concentration may be impaired, & memory may suffer. A sense of losing one's mind is common. Tearfulness may be uncontrollable at times. Profound apathy/fatigue occur. Appetite disturbance may be so severe that dehydration, severe weight loss, & eventual death may occur. Suicide is a constant risk, & sleep may be thoroughly disturbed. In some cases delusions may occur.
I recommend a thorough evaluation by your physician to role out  medical illness that may be contributing to your symptoms (infection, hormone and other).
Your doctor may referr you to a psychiatrist.
Fortunately treatment is available.

Best Wishes,

HFHS M.D.-SW

[NRO-Sx]

A recent article in "Neurology" 1999 Apr 12;52(6):1291-3 indicates that narcolepsy is associated with an increased frequency of headaches.  Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder associated with uncontrollable sleepiness and frequent daytime sleeping which is usually diagnosed between ages 15 and 25. Narcolepsy may be associated with cataplexy, a brief episode of severe loss of tone of various muscles.  Referral to a sleep clinic is usually requires for a diagnosis, and there is effective treatment (with modafinil, a psychostimulant).
Good luck!

[NRO-Sx]

A recent article in "Neurology" 1999 Apr 12;52(6):1291-3 indicates that narcolepsy is associated with an increased frequency of headaches.  Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder associated with uncontrollable sleepiness and frequent daytime sleeping which is usually diagnosed between ages 15 and 25. Narcolepsy may be associated with cataplexy, a brief episode of severe loss of tone of various muscles.  Referral to a sleep clinic is usually requires for a diagnosis, and there is effective treatment (with modafinil, a psychostimulant).
Good luck!