These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
Snoring
Question: My husband snores in any given position: on his stomach, side, or
back. His mouth is never open and he doesn’t quit when he is moved into another
position. He used to only do this occasionally, but now it happens every time he goes
to sleep. He is 41 years old and in good health. Could his adenoids be the cause of this?
Answer: Snoring usually indicates some partial blockage of the airway while sleeping. In severe
cases this can cause sleep apnea, which is potentially very serious. I’d discuss this with his physician. He may need a visit to a sleep lab, especially if you see him stop breathing or if he is getting sleepy during the day. Large adenoids are a possible cause of this problem as is a short jaw.
Sleeping problems
Question: I am 48 years old and
I don’t sleep very well. I go to bed about 11:00 p.m., sleep deeply for
about half an hour and then get awaken for 2 to 3 hours.
Even when I go to sleep early I wake up too early (about 3:00 or
4:00 a.m.).
I feel I am not getting enough sleep because in the afternoon I get
very tired at work around 2 p.m.
I started taking 1 mg of Melatonin every night just before
bed and that improved my sleeping somewhat, but still not very
much.
Please advise me if I need any other medication.
Answer: Common culprits in disturbing sleep are alcohol and caffeine. In many people, as little as
one drink will decrease the deep stage IV sleep substantially. Caffeine, tea, or chocolate are
also possible causes. If eliminating alcohol does not help, a small dose of a drug like
Elavil (usually used in depression) will usually fix this problem with no risk of rebound or
addiction.
Sleeping on one side
Question: I am a 50-year old male. I can only get to sleep lying on
my right side. I always wake lying on my right side and
my bed partner says I spend the whole night on my right
side. Is this normal or harmful.
Answer: This is very normal and not harmful.
Sleeping Problems
Question: Please recommend a prescription to make me sleep very hard
for 8-10 hours. I have tried Temezepam, Ambien. I work odd
shifts and MUST sleep unusual hours during some weeks.
Answer: Shift work is difficult to work because of the impact on sleep. Trying to shift the sleep
cycle is difficult. Benzodiazepines like you have tried are the usual method. Taking higher
doses may help, but continued use will blunt their effectiveness. Several people have tried
melatonin with some success.
