I consistently sleep 7-8 hours each night but still feel exhausted. I rarely drink alcohol, and when I do, it’s just one drink hours before bedtime. Occasionally, I use melatonin to help regulate my sleep schedule. My Apple Watch tracks my sleep and indicates that I’m sleeping well, though I’m aware it may not be the most accurate. I often remember my dreams, suggesting I am dreaming regularly. I recently returned from a deployment and it took me about three weeks to start getting what feels like decent sleep. Could the aftereffects of my disrupted sleep during deployment be causing my current exhaustion? I’m considering a sleep study, though I don’t have symptoms like snoring or breathing pauses.
After returning from deployment, it’s normal for your body to need time to recover from the stress. It’s rebuilding and repairing itself. Ensure you’re also getting the right nutrients and vitamins.
It might be a good idea to see a doctor and get some blood tests done. Are your Apple Watch’s blood oxygen readings normal?
Reece said:
It might be a good idea to see a doctor and get some blood tests done. Are your Apple Watch’s blood oxygen readings normal?
Yes, my blood oxygen levels are good.
Reece said:
It might be a good idea to see a doctor and get some blood tests done. Are your Apple Watch’s blood oxygen readings normal?
What range are considered good readings during sleep?
Try setting a consistent bedtime, practice relaxation techniques like box-breathing before sleep, avoid caffeine and alcohol in the afternoon, and consider taking supplements like NAC, magnesium, or omega-3 to aid sleep. It’s also a good idea to get a blood test for any deficiencies like vitamin D, B12, or iron.
Light exposure can significantly affect sleep quality. I found using a sleep mask helped me sleep better. There are articles online that can help you choose a good one.
If you’re waking up naturally after 7-8 hours but still feel tired, try extending your sleep to 9 hours.
Cameron said:
If you’re waking up naturally after 7-8 hours but still feel tired, try extending your sleep to 9 hours.
I wake up naturally without an alarm.
Cameron said:
If you’re waking up naturally after 7-8 hours but still feel tired, try extending your sleep to 9 hours.
I wake up naturally without an alarm.
Then perhaps try going to bed a bit earlier.
@Cameron
I’ve tried that, but I still wake up at the same time, feeling just as tired.
Consider checking for less obvious sleep disorders like Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) or sleep apnea.
Start by talking to your doctor to rule out any underlying conditions that could be causing your fatigue.
You might find it helpful to use an app like Sleep Cycle. It monitors your sleep and aims to wake you up during lighter sleep phases, which might help you feel more rested.
Lior said:
You might find it helpful to use an app like Sleep Cycle. It monitors your sleep and aims to wake you up during lighter sleep phases, which might help you feel more rested.
What app would you recommend? The ones I’ve seen don’t have great reviews.
@Taylor
I recommend Sleep Cycle. It uses your phone’s microphone to detect sounds or movements to track your sleep stages and wake you during light sleep.
Lior said:
@Taylor
I recommend Sleep Cycle. It uses your phone’s microphone to detect sounds or movements to track your sleep stages and wake you during light sleep.
How does it track? By sound in the room?
@Taylor
Yes, it detects noise or movement. You can place it on your bed or under your pillow. The free version is quite effective, but there’s also a premium version that records sounds like coughing or snoring.
@Lior
Thanks for the info!
I had a similar problem and ruled out sleep apnea with a study. Now, I’m testing for narcolepsy because I’m still always tired. A sleep study might be a good idea for you too.