Totally Fatigued...S.A.D.

LegacyUser

I have been really tired over the last few days.

It seems to hit me every winter. Once the weather turns a bit cold and grey, I just want to curl up in a ball and go to bed. I am lucky that I work for myself and can get out into the sun when it's out - I exercise daily whether it be walking or otherwise.

But, every winter it hits me. I have a light to combat S.A.D. but it doesn't seem to make much difference. I generally eat healthily and don't drink too much caffeine. Although now, I feel I need a blast of caffeine to get me through the afternoons.

When I used to work 9-5 I'd sleep on the bus on the way into work, on the way home on the bus and sometimes when I got onto the settee.

I find it difficult to concentrate on the job at hand and I find it hard to motivate myself to get things done and I really do need to get things done.

I have had a constant minor headache for the last few days and my body feels sleepy which isn't helping me get anything done.

In the afternoons I am in a slump and I usually pick up at about 7 o'clock and then get to bed at 12.... I get 8 hours sleep at least - 9 at most but over the last week I wake up tired and spend the day yawning..... I have been waking up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom which I know disrupts my sleeping patterns.

I'm off for the weekend for a break to get some exercise done - it's a hobby I love doing, it's outdoors and it gets me through the winter months.

Any one else with similar SADness - how do you cope?

seamus

Sleeping on the way into work, on the way home and then snoozing in the evenings is either a sign that you don't get nearly enough sleep or that there may be something medically wrong. I don't sleep at all except for at night, in bed. Anyone I know who does snooze in the evenings either goes late to bed or gets up early. I know you said you used to do it, but I assume it's the same problem that's affecting you now.

While SAD is accepted to exist, it can be combatted and it's generally just the effect of maintaining your summer routine despite the shorter days and longer nights.

Try altering your routine so that you get to bed earlier. The darker evenings do have a psychological effect, so getting to bed earlier may put your body into a rhythm which feels more natural.

However, I would also advise going to the doctor and getting blood tests done.

Glowing

What are you eating? You should fill up on wholemeal bread, porridge, brown rice etc to sustain you for longer. With colder weather, you'll use up more calories anyway, and having porridge for breakfast will keep you fuller for longer releasing energy more slowly. it might help.

LegacyUser

I have porridge every morning with a banana.

I eat lots of veg and I eat fish for protein. I don't eat a lot of meat, maybe once every 2 or 3 weeks.

biko

I get this too, seems I just don't properly wake up/function during the winter months.
OP, try eat better as suggested, work out/sport and have things to look forward to. I look forward to Christmas and then a quick holiday.
Chin up and hang in there

Queen-Mise

i have just been diagnosed this. lost all my motivation to do anything - college work was really suffering.

my opinion go to the doctor

Bottle_of_Smoke

Read a study there by university of ulster, we're simply not getting enough vitamin D we need due to weather.

If you're sleeping on the bus I'd be telling the doctor. Then maybe he/she can recommend a vitamin supplement.

MagicMarker

I'm like Seamus, barely even close my eyes except when I sleep, in bed, at night. If for any reason I do sleep during the day it's because I'm either sick or just plain exhausted for some random reason (jet lag etc)

My diet isn't exactly great, I get about 6 hours of sleep and I'm wide awake as soon as I've had a shower, although I do feel somewhat depressed until the sun is up and the day is in full swing.

Sleeping so much isn't normal and it won't do you any harm to talk to a doctor about it, there could be something to combat it, which would be better than going through this every winter for the rest of your life!

Queen-Mise

i have to agree on magic marker on this.

this has been happening me for the last three years at least - i only recognized it this year as everything else in my life was good, I couldn't figure out why things were a bit tough - i had a little light bulb moment.

I will know for next year though, which i am delighted about.