8 replies to this topic

[sleepygrl]

Hey guys!

I discovered something and I need to share it with you all!

I was in what I call a "meeting marathon" at my client this week and I just COULD NOT prevent from falling asleep at all meetings (oops). Sleep attacks, yay!
Had loads of cups of coffee to prevent from falling asleep, but it was to no avail.

Just to explain, it is very hot in my country, and now it is summer time.
In one of the meetings, I was there sitting when all of a sudden I started to shiver - again. Damn air conditioner. The room started to get very cold. So I put on my coat. I didn't last one minute. I was asleep before I knew it was coming.
Then I realized I was the only one in the room that was using a coat. The rest of the team was with their sleeves pulled up. I took off my coat and throughout the meeting I still was very sleepy and still very cold, but no sleep attacks occurred again!

I started to see a pattern in this. So I made up this theory and started to test it in the upcoming meetings. It started to make sense until I finally made my way through a meeting without sleeping.

My theory: it's not the room getting cold, it's my body! When I start to get sleepy, my body gets very cold. Then, I naturally put my coat on, so it gets warm. That's when the sleep attacks occur! So now I know that, when I'm cold, I'm doomed - I'll be sleepy in a matter of minutes. If I don't put my coat on, I can fight against the urge to sleep better than when I'm with my coat on.
It is still difficult to maintain alertness, though. I still have to fight to be awake, but at least I'm not going to fall asleep all of a sudden and make a fool of myself.

Strange huh? Has anyone ever noticed this too?
I think I will start driving with the air conditioner in the coldest temperature of all! \o/
Even though I HATE cold, and I'm always with a coat, no matter how hot it is outside.

(I know there is a topic about body temperature, but I believe this one deserves a topic of it's own).

[Ariel K.]

This is very interesting! I also have noticed that when it is colder outside, I tend to get sleep attacks more often. In the winter months, my EDS is unbearable. In summer though, I can fight them off much more successfully.

[sk8aplexy]

Good topic, and better 'managing to grasp such!'
I've noticed that excess heat (hot summers w/ high humidity), excess sun (no clouds), and especially excess exertion in excess heat w/ excess sun; most definitely have a hard and heavy effect on my capabilities to function physically (especially) and also mentally. Yes any one would likely agree, but only to a certain point can they relate...

Some links, which may relate somehow:
http://ajpregu.physi...291/3/R530.full
http://www.scienceda...80201085700.htm
http://www.nisfornar...-core-body.html
http://narcolepsynet...5-are-you-cold/
http://www.dailystre...ody-temperature

[Gabby]

I really like what you had to say. I replied to a post in Jan of 2011 relating to being cold and shivering. I know that when I'm the sleepiest is also when I am the coldest. I never thought to leave the jacket or sweater off to help me stay awake unless I am driving. Then the air conditioning goes on full blast and all vents are turned towards me. I'm just not going to take any chances. I'm convinced that being cold has something to do with sleepiness. But I am no expert. I'm just trying to get answers to a lot of questions I have too. I'm going to follow your lead and leave the sweater or jacket off and see if I can't be a little more productive. Thank you for the idea.

[Ermc26]

Sleepygrl.. I wanted to let you know I have experienced this feeling and I actually did try this yesterday! I was in a client's house for a few hours late at night and I was especially tired and I kept fighting to keep my eyes open and not succeeding. I ended up having to explain that I was not bored of what he was trying to explain to me, I was just simply fighting off sleep and I took off my suit jacket and had some cold water and some fruit (strawberries & blueberries) and all of a sudden it was better.. I was freezing but I no longer found myself slipping into micro naps. Good deal. Thanks for posting about this

[Sleepingcrow]

I experience this every spring and fall, when there's a bit of a chill in the air, the humidity is high, and the air pressure is just so, or when I'm dealing with air conditioning - hate the stuff. What I've learnt to do is to maintain my body temperature. This means always having layers ready. It's true going from a lowered core body temperature to rapping yourself in warmth does cause a more immediate attack, but if my core body temp is low, I know I'll eventually need to lay down and have a nap. This is actually the worst culprit for triggering attacks, so I've gotten quite good at it.

At the moment with la nina, we're experiencing similar weather to the beginning of spring, and for the days I forgot to prevent my core from getting chill, I paid for it dearly - I'm talking days of falling in and out of sleep and not being able to function. It's been two weeks, and I forgot, because of the time of the year I suppose, but now I'll take care to keep my spine warm and relaxed.

[sleepywriter]

This is interesting! I'm going to have to pay attention to when I'm feeling sleepy and whether or not I'm feeling cold. I tend to be the chick wearing a sweater year-round, even in the summer when it is 100 degrees. I notice I get cold and get the shakes when I'm having C attacks, too. Does anyone else?

[Sisu]

My hands go tingly-numb. That's how I can tell. I'll be fine, and then, "I can't feel my hands," and I'm down. I've learned to pay VERY close attention to how my hands feel!

[Lucestrife]

Some research has been done on this. Check out these articles:


Altered Skin-Temperature Regulation in Narcolepsy Relates to Sleep Propensity: Link

Manipulation of Core Body and Skin Temperature Improves Vigilance and Maintenance of Wakefulness in Narcolepsy: Link

Also this one suggests a strategy for better sleep through temperature regulation: Link