Ask Dr. Lani – Sleeping Disorder
May 5, 2010 by Dr. Lani
Filed under Ask Dr. Lani, General Health, Sleep Disorders
Question:
Dear Dr. Lani,
I am 56 years old and have not slept through the night since 7th grade. I wake up every hour and a half and usually eat something. I also use the bathroom each time I wake up. By morning, I’m exhausted! I was recently diagnosed with a large nodule on my thyroid. I wonder if there’s a connection between my thyroid problem and my sleep disorder and eating habits. I’m afraid my doctor will want to remove my thyroid after my next ultrasound. Being on drugs for the rest of my life scares me to death, not to mention surgery.
K.M.
Answer:
Hi K,
You are waking according to the normal sleep cycle of 90 minutes. Good sleepers usually wake and fall right back asleep. However, something is waking you fully. Since you’ve been experiencing this since you were a child, your doctor should be very well versed in all possible causes of this type of sleep disorder. Hypothyroidism, elevated nighttime cortisol, sex hormones, depression and anxiety are all possibilities.
The most likely diagnosis of the nodule on your thyroid is a goiter due to hypothyroidism, and an ultrasound of the thyroid is the way to diagnose it. Please see a doctor who will spend time with you to get to the bottom of what is going on. When in doubt, always seek a second opinion. You can regain your health!!!
Warmly,
Lani
Dear Dr. Lani,
No question this time ‘just a great big thank you for the tip regarding baking soda to get us away from deadly deoderants! I have already shared it with quite a few women and the women that have made the change have experienced the same great results that I have! One little tip with one big impact! Thanks for the valuable service you provide!
Karla
Hello, Dr. Lani. Do you know anything about the Wiley Protocol? What’s your take on it? (T.S. Wiley, Sex Lies and Menopause, http://www.thewileyprotocol.com.) I hope this note finds you healthy and happy. Thanks!
Yes, I am very familiar with it and I consider it dangerous and the premise on which it is based absurd. This is the protocol that Suzanne Somers recommends in the book they wrote together. The protocol calls for high dosing of bio-identical hormones to the level that a 25 year old woman would produce. For many woman their menstrual cycle returns. While I am an advocate of bio-identical hormones I support much lower levels and rely on nutrition, exercise and herbs. Also, any gastrointestinal problem will impact hormonal production. In fact close to 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut!
Dr. Lani,
I am 56 and have not slept well for 5 years. I attribute it to menopause. I do get warm at night, but don’t have the terrible night sweats. I go to sleep immediately and sleep well for 60 to 90 minutes, wake up and cannot go back to sleep. I have so much energy upon waking. I have tried reading, it does not work. I avoid caffiene after lunch, no exercise before bed,and many other suggestions. I believe it must be due to hormonal changes. I mention this to my gyn and medical doctor upon each visit and they never suggest testing for hormone levels. Should tests be run and if so what can be done since hormones can cause cancer? I will always believe that one factor attributing to my osteporosis is lack of sleep. However, I am fortunate and have had no breaks, fractures, and in no pain. I am very healthy and take no medications. I am faithfully exercising and eating healthy foods. Any suggestions on the sleep problem?