I have trouble staying awake (literally) and alert.

I've gotten used to drinking one latte a day, and on the days I can't, I feel like I've been dipped in concrete. Sometimes even coffee doesn't do it. I used to think cafeine and sugar were easy stimulants, but it looks like I was mistaken. Sugar, tea, and even coffee just make me sleepy and sluggish. Any ideas what I could use instead? (No pills or other chemical stimulants, thanks)

Another option is to give up and go to bed at 9 pm like my body is telling me to do.

I saw the dr today and they're doing some tests on Monday. I'll know more in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, the best I can do is try and get some extra sleep and not let work or other stressors get to me.

Thanks to everyone for the responses and especially for the thyroid tip.

Are you exercising? That definitely helps for me. On days I actually get out an exercise in the morning I find I have much more momentum to get me through the day.

Are you sleeping? Enough? Sometimes even when I get 8 hours I am still tired. Those nights I am usually sleeping poorly. A breathe right strip usually helps with that. I am just too lazy to use them every night. I actually went so far as to have a sleep study which was very expensive and inconclusive.

For me, caffeine doesn't make me more alert, but it does prevent me from sleeping. I gave it up about 3 years ago and I haven't been sorry. I am not militant about it, but it is no longer a daily need. I also find I have far fewer headaches than I used to. They went from being a couple of times a week to maybe once a month.

Sugar doesn't do much for me in the way of being a stimulant other than that it's really tasty. Plus there is the slump afterward that makes me want to take a nap.

I think a walk in the fresh air is your best bet. That and some music that makes you want to dance. Put on your favorite song and dance around like a spaz for a few minutes or just sing along at the top of your lungs. That always perks me up.

I'm with Sandy - I need lots of sleep to function properly and I crash badly if I stay up too late multiple nights in a row. Not to mention I get very cranky ; )

quote:

Originally posted by Nbox:



Another option is to give up and go to bed at 9 pm like my body is telling me to do.

I am a person who needs 9 solid hours of sleep. I can't fudge. When I try to manage on fewer hours, I seem to crash.

I tend to stay away from caffeine and sugar because it tends to mess with my natural sleep rhythms.

I also need a good amount of down time to rest and relax. I think some people are just wired to need lots of rest, down time and a good amount of sleep.

Linda, you beat me to it! I'm usually the one saying "Could it be your thyroid?" hehe

Thanks for the tip. I see my dr tomorrow.

Any chance your thyroid is out of wack? This sounds like me prior to finding out that my counts were off. Since the doc increased my synthroid intake I don't need my afternoon nap anymore.

Linda