Help! I can't stop sleeping...
hypersomnia
hy·per·som·nia | \ ˌhī-pər-ˈsäm-nē-ə \
a disorder of sleep that is characterized by prolonged nocturnal sleep periods which typically occur at least three times a week, by sleep that is not restorative or refreshing, and by the presence of excessive daytime sleepiness
So, just so we are clear, fatigue is the condition of being tired, and I would characterize hypersomnia as the result of this state of being.
I don’t think I’ve slept this much in my entire life. Maybe as a newborn, but that doesn’t count. For example, yesterday night, I slept for 12 hours straight, even after having several naps during the day. I had a bit more energy today, so I could walk around a little. But I swear.. as soon as I got to the couch, it was game over. My mom and aunt say that I have been falling asleep in the middle of conversations. Pardon me, but I think that’s hilarious. I guess this is one of the benefits of going through chemo. When someone tries to engage in a conversation that I have no interest in, I can just “fall asleep.” (😉) Omg! I am literally laughing out loud. Sorry, I just think the thought of that is hilarious. Imagine this …
Theo: Babe, it’s time to file the taxes. Can you help me to compile …
Me: (😴)
Dahki: Can I have money for (you fill in the blank)
Me: (😴)
I could go on and on. Anyway, I guess I’ve only had 7 or 8 naps today. And I’m telling you, I will be actively doing something. Like using my phone or having a conversation or updating my blog and the next thing I know, I’m out. Well, I don’t really know it. I wake up an hour later, like where is everybody? So now it’s time to investigate. What’s really causing this to happen? From my research, I confirm that this “sudden sleepiness” is caused by cancer-related fatigue and it’s one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy. It is often described as "paralyzing." It comes on suddenly, does not result from activity or exertion, and is not relieved by rest or sleep. (Check, check, and check - I can vouch for all of this!) So why does it happen? Why do you just suddenly fall asleep? Well, the good folks at Johns Hopkins suggest that during deep sleep, your body works to repair muscle, organs, and other cells. Chemicals that strengthen your immune system also start to circulate in your blood during this time. This healing requires a certain amount of energy. On the other hand, being awake and active also requires a certain amount of energy. And this energy isn’t infinite. We don’t just have bags of energy sitting around waiting to be used when we need it. Think of your personal energy in the form of a bank account. Deposits and withdrawals have to be made over the course of the day (or the week) to ensure a balance between energy conservation, restoration and expenditure. So just imagine, I have 100 coins of energy to be expended, and my body needs 75 coins to restore some damaged cells, and it takes 35 coins to stay awake and have a conversation. That math doesn’t add up. So what goes first? The convo that I was having is what get’s shut down. Your body is smart enough to use your energy on the most important activity. On the other hand, certain types of repair only occur during sleep, so the brain says, “Excuse me, I need you to be still for a moment, lights out.” Now, I’m sure there are more scientific explanations, and I never said I was a scientist Remember, I’m an engineer. That is my hypothesis based on the articles that I’ve read today. (So, Charay and Tay, please forgive me for the summary level explanation)
Well, the good news is that the sun always comes out sooner or later. Research (and prayer) suggest that I should be moving out of this phase over the next few days. During this time, I’ll need to get active. Not spin class active, but moving nonetheless. I think I will try some moderate activity like walking and yoga. This is a great way to add some coins to my energy account. The trick is to not overdo it, and this is not so easy for someone that’s pretty active. I think I will start with a buddy to keep myself honest. In the end, too much exercise or the wrong kind of exercise can be more detrimental than not exercising at all.
Welp, I’m pleased to report that I made it through the entire blog entry without falling asleep! I’m being rebuilt into a stronger, better Tov. Don’t sleep on me… (Get it, “sleep on me” 🤣 I crack myself up)
