I saw a post recommending L-theanine for people who wake up often during sleep and have trouble calming their mind to fall back asleep. I’ve been trying it for a few days, and while it helps me fall back asleep quickly (instead of my usual hour or more), I’ve been feeling really sluggish and unmotivated during the day. I start my morning with energy, but by the afternoon I’m stuck on the couch, low on motivation and ready for a nap.
Is this a common experience? Is it a side effect, or could it be something specific to me?
I haven’t noticed that kind of issue, but I usually take L-theanine in the morning with my coffee when I’m feeling anxious. It gives me a sense of calm focus without making me drowsy.
Sage said:
Have you ever considered doing a sleep study?
I haven’t done one. Would you recommend it?
If you often wake up tired and find yourself needing naps, it might be worth looking into.
Do you wake up to use the bathroom often? Have night sweats or feel hot while sleeping? Any headaches, nightmares, chest tightness, heart palpitations, or snoring?
You can order an at-home sleep study from places like AXG Sleep Diagnostics, SleepDoctor, Lofta, or Ognomy. You might want to check those out or ask your doctor for guidance.
Shane said: @Sage
I’ve felt tired most mornings for as long as I can remember and need daily naps. I think I might snore when drifting off.
Have you done a sleep study yourself? Thanks for the info!
Yes, I did a sleep study at home with the Alice NightOne device by Philips, which is similar to some tests offered by SleepDoctor. I found out I had obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and was prescribed CPAP therapy, but it didn’t help much. After a consultation with AXG Sleep Diagnostics, I learned I actually needed BiPAP therapy.
I wish I knew earlier that I could order my own sleep study online—it would’ve saved time. Women are often underdiagnosed with apnea compared to men, so don’t hesitate to look into this if you’re experiencing those symptoms. It could make a real difference.