When the odds are against you from birth...

[BvrEngr2006]

Recently I found out I have a couple chronic sleeping disorders which explains why my whole life I've felt wasted during the day. Needless to say this leaves me with little energy to deal with coping with everyday stresses much less DJ'ing. Whenever a chic asks me why I always look like I'm about to fall asleep I keep my answer short/vague/****y and change the topic... but I can never keep my head in the game for longer than 5 min. When I have the choice of laying on the couch to sleep or hanging with a HB10, the couch looks mighty inviting. I was just wondering if anyone else here has had to deal with disorders such as narcolepsy, multiple sclerosis, parkinsons, or other fatiguing disabilities and still found the strength to persevere?

 

[Julian]

Dude that sux homie. I had west nile virus and was fatigued for months. It was winter and i wasnt in search of girls at the time anyway, so i didnt care. But i cant relate to you much, i guess the only thing i can suggest is having those energy drinks alot and stay healthy and fit.

 

[Krassus]

What exactly do you have though? Isn't there anything you can do? I know i hate sleeping myself, and would lay awake for hours at a time before, but it's been getting better lately, and i've found ways of falling myself fall asleep. Or my dad for instance, never sleeps for more than a few hours at night, but takes a 3-hour nap in late afternoon.

 

[ufotofu9]

Sleep is extremly important to being at your peak performance. Some research says 9.25 hours is required to be 100%. If you don't get that, 15 minute naps work, but no mre than that. If you feel tired, pop an aderroll. Works wonders.

 

[00Kevin]

i know a girl that masturbates in her sleep.

 

[NMMWCR]

Ever read a biography of Theodore Roosevelt?

He was a sickly young man with allergies, asthma, a case of the shakes, and other medical problems. He made a decision one day that he was going to beat it no matter what. He started exercising with true gusto. Running, splitting wood, riding horses, building fences, whatever it took. He turned into a real bad ass.

Get yourself in the gym and train like your life depends on it. You'll sleep better, crave healthier foods, regulate hormone production, improve liver and kidney function, release endorphins and lots of other good chemicals, and dramatically change your life for the better. I went from a borderline suicidal wreck to an egomaniac in 6 months. Building muscles does something to you chemically and mentally that is pure magic.

 

[BvrEngr2006]

My diagnosis, which could change after my sleep study on Aug 22, is that I have primary chronic insomnia (insomnia that isn't a symptom of a larger problem) and narcolepsy (one of Rob Shneider's dates in Deuce Bigalow had this... exaggerated of course). Although I have tried Ambien and Benadryl as well as behavioral therapy to treat the insomnia, and with some success, I have built up such a huge sleep debt that it will take me at least a month or two to recover and actually feel some benefit. Also the doctor won't give me meds for the narcolepsy until after the study. Prognosis with effective treatment is good and I can lead a near-normal life, without... potentially devastating. Fortunately I was diagnosed earlier than most (maybe 10 years after symptoms set in)... apparently most people with this condition aren't diagnosed or diagnosed correctly for 15-never years by which time they've lost their youth to sleep deprivation and all its nasty symptoms and subconditions.

In the meantime I have to do without drugs. This means following a strict daily schedule, eating right, and working out. I gained 10 lbs of muscle over Spring term and it really is ****ing amazing what that can do for you. Even to my foggy head it was obvious that I was getting more attn from chics on campus, esp a few HB6-HB8's in my Engr classes that I already knew. My confidence was sky high and emotionally I felt wonderful. The ****ty thing is tho... no matter how much time I spent in that weight room or out running my ass off, my physical and mental energy never saw any benefit. As a matter of fact I'd argue I was fatiguing myself to death and it got to the point (near finals week) where I couldn't do half my normal workout cuz I was too damn tired. And I really didn't spend THAT much time... just every other day for an hour!

Anyways, I have to pick and chose my moments VERY carefully. If I'm level headed enough I can be absolutely brilliant and I hardly have to do anything to get chics to notice me and they even make it easy on me by taking their own initiative. I've had one HB8 who everyone sees as untouchable (but keep in mind we're talking mostly AFC Engineers here) approach me (but wanting me to make the first move) at least 4-5 times sticking that lovely chest out and her eyes firmly settled into mine. Too bad I wasn't in the mood at any of those moments cept for one where I had her laughing for the 5 min before lab started and her AFC male friend walked in (who claims he doesn't want to make a move on her, even tho he's infatuated, cuz he wants to stay friends). Any other time I just smiled and acted uninterested. But then there are the times where even tho I know I'm inebriated as ****, I'll still try and make a move. When I'm at my worst, I slur my words, I can't think fast enough to keep up with the conversation, my muscles tire and I assume bad posture, and well its a disaster.

So yea... my friend says I'm a Ferrari stuck at the starting line because of a defective engine... but now I got a mechanic who knows what he's doing and hopefully I can catch up to those Geo Metros 20 feet in front (after a 2 year headstart).

 

[aolsuxs]

I agree with whoever wrote about Teddy Rosevelt. Life in general is unfair. Some have it more unfair then others. Is it going to be easy? Well no life isn't easy, but if there is a will there is a way. I personally know some people who have had some crappy stuff happen to them ranging from physilogical, family and economical problems and some of them pull it off which I admire.

 

[SamePendo]

Ive always liked to sit down, rest, or sleep. Id rather sleep than ¨go out¨ (unless I know for a FACT that it will kick ass!).
Is this normal? Ive been like this since I was a kid. And I go to the gym 5-4 days a week.

 

[Krassus]

Originally posted by BvrEngr2006
My diagnosis, which could change after my sleep study on Aug 22, is that I have primary chronic insomnia (insomnia that isn't a symptom of a larger problem) and narcolepsy (one of Rob Shneider's dates in Deuce Bigalow had this... exaggerated of course). Although I have tried Ambien and Benadryl as well as behavioral therapy to treat the insomnia, and with some success, I have built up such a huge sleep debt that it will take me at least a month or two to recover and actually feel some benefit. Also the doctor won't give me meds for the narcolepsy until after the study. Prognosis with effective treatment is good and I can lead a near-normal life, without... potentially devastating. Fortunately I was diagnosed earlier than most (maybe 10 years after symptoms set in)... apparently most people with this condition aren't diagnosed or diagnosed correctly for 15-never years by which time they've lost their youth to sleep deprivation and all its nasty symptoms and subconditions.

In the meantime I have to do without drugs. This means following a strict daily schedule, eating right, and working out. I gained 10 lbs of muscle over Spring term and it really is ****ing amazing what that can do for you. Even to my foggy head it was obvious that I was getting more attn from chics on campus, esp a few HB6-HB8's in my Engr classes that I already knew. My confidence was sky high and emotionally I felt wonderful. The ****ty thing is tho... no matter how much time I spent in that weight room or out running my ass off, my physical and mental energy never saw any benefit. As a matter of fact I'd argue I was fatiguing myself to death and it got to the point (near finals week) where I couldn't do half my normal workout cuz I was too damn tired. And I really didn't spend THAT much time... just every other day for an hour!

Anyways, I have to pick and chose my moments VERY carefully. If I'm level headed enough I can be absolutely brilliant and I hardly have to do anything to get chics to notice me and they even make it easy on me by taking their own initiative. I've had one HB8 who everyone sees as untouchable (but keep in mind we're talking mostly AFC Engineers here) approach me (but wanting me to make the first move) at least 4-5 times sticking that lovely chest out and her eyes firmly settled into mine. Too bad I wasn't in the mood at any of those moments cept for one where I had her laughing for the 5 min before lab started and her AFC male friend walked in (who claims he doesn't want to make a move on her, even tho he's infatuated, cuz he wants to stay friends). Any other time I just smiled and acted uninterested. But then there are the times where even tho I know I'm inebriated as ****, I'll still try and make a move. When I'm at my worst, I slur my words, I can't think fast enough to keep up with the conversation, my muscles tire and I assume bad posture, and well its a disaster.

So yea... my friend says I'm a Ferrari stuck at the starting line because of a defective engine... but now I got a mechanic who knows what he's doing and hopefully I can catch up to those Geo Metros 20 feet in front (after a 2 year headstart).

Just a quick note: if you're running while trying to gain mass, you need to hit the boards and start reading, because running is the best way to LOSE muscle mass. Trust me, it's a big no-no while bulking.

 

[Monkey]

Interesting topic.

I dread going to sleep because I know I won't wake up feeling refreshed but groggy, with back ache and generally more knackered. I also dream intensly and think this could be adding to it, I don't think my mind and body have been able to switch off and fully rested for years.

 

[b's nuts]

Interesting topic.

I dread going to sleep because I know I won't wake up feeling refreshed but groggy, with back ache and generally more knackered. I also dream intensly and think this could be adding to it, I don't think my mind and body have been able to switch off and fully rested for years.

- puff a fatty before bed, you will sleep like a baby

 

[InLawsHateMe]

Originally posted by 00Kevin
i know a girl that masturbates in her sleep.

Damn, I may be dating her right now... I remember one night, after getting drunk, we had sex but man, it was hard enough to keep from passing out, let alone provide her with my patented love making skills.. so I busted a nut, and fell alseep... not sure what time it was when I awoke next to her, as she was finishing up masturbating. I thought to myself, 'Man, this chic is f*ckin hot!' 8) ..it's all about the O, ain't it ladies?

As far as the odds are against you at birth.... what doesn't kill ya, only makes ya stronger bro.

 

[seulaxplaya]

yeah man they got meds for that kind of stuff. check out a doc. life will be alot better after u do. also excersing regularly also gets ur blood flowing which leads to being active.

 

[BvrEngr2006]

yeah man they got meds for that kind of stuff. check out a doc. life will be alot better after u do. also excersing regularly also gets ur blood flowing which leads to being active.

Well as I mentioned before that's what I'm doing and I have a sleep study on Aug 22. Basically I stay over for the night at the hospital while they monitor my sleep... that's the only way to get a positive diagnosis. The doctor refuses to give me drugs until after the study (because it will interfere with my natural if flawed sleep pattern and therefore invalidate the info gained). And while exercising regularly has bettered my physical health, it doesn't help me active/energy-wise due to my condition. But yes this is good advice to follow if you're just a lazy ****.

As far as the odds are against you at birth.... what doesn't kill ya, only makes ya stronger bro.

Sadly I have a high chance of having something that is called Sleep Apnea... which could kill me if its not treated. But it will be so booya.

I dread going to sleep because I know I won't wake up feeling refreshed but groggy, with back ache and generally more knackered. I also dream intensly and think this could be adding to it, I don't think my mind and body have been able to switch off and fully rested for years

See your doctor NOW and get referred to a sleep specialist if he can't figure it out. Don't want to scare you but trust me I have a feeling you'll be happy you did... sounds like you are at the least suffering from chronic sleep deprivation and he can give you tips... at the worst you could have narcolepsy or sleep apnea which is what I'm facing. But I'm no doctor so see yours!!

Just a quick note: if you're running while trying to gain mass, you need to hit the boards and start reading, because running is the best way to LOSE muscle mass. Trust me, it's a big no-no while bulking.

Hm, good thing to know... I guess losing all that protien during the run doesn't help.

Ive always liked to sit down, rest, or sleep. Id rather sleep than ¨go out¨ (unless I know for a FACT that it will kick ass!). Is this normal? Ive been like this since I was a kid. And I go to the gym 5-4 days a week.

How long do you sleep every night? Do you have any troubles falling asleep or waking up? Any vivid dreaming or crazy **** you can't explain?

I agree with whoever wrote about Teddy Rosevelt. Life in general is unfair. Some have it more unfair then others. Is it going to be easy? Well no life isn't easy, but if there is a will there is a way.

Words to live by...

I guess I'll have to write a follow up after I've been on meds/treatment for a while... hopefully it'll give me the time/energy needed to put my DJ'ing to use!

 

[SamePendo]

Id say I get an average of 9hrs of sleep.
I eat well etc etc.
I suppose its a veeeery light case of the case brought up by you, Bvr.
I dont get sleepy to the level I am suddenly falling asleep. Just, semi-tired.

 

[Legend]

does running really cut your muscle down? I have been running a lot lately to cut up...but i dont want to lose the muscle i worked so hard to get.

I always heard that running will cut your fat firstt then your muscle.....i could be wrong.

 

[Frosty]

Originally posted by Legend
does running really cut your muscle down? I have been running a lot lately to cut up...but i dont want to lose the muscle i worked so hard to get.

I always heard that running will cut your fat firstt then your muscle.....i could be wrong.

Correct. Carbs are burned first, then fat, then muscle. Muscle is broken down in starvation state , ie., when carbs are burned and there isn't much fat.

If you are drinking enough carbs while you do your cardio you don't have to worry about your body robbing your muscle for energy because the carbs are burned preferably. The amino acids in muscles are a last resort since your body prefers straight glucose. So if you want to avoid your muscle breaking down and you have little body fat simply drink a lot of carbs before you run. Doesn't make since to look healthy and have a weak heart.

Bvr, I have chronic insomnia but I guess I am used to it after all of these years. Sometimes I will take ambien and rotate it with other sleep aids so my body won't grow tolerant of them too quick. I try to use them only when I need them but the problem is when I don't take them, I am always worried if I will get to sleep and that tends to keep me up itself.

Insomnia sucks but it is beneficial in a few cases.

 

[BvrEngr2006]

Originally posted by SamePendo
Id say I get an average of 9hrs of sleep.
I eat well etc etc.
I suppose its a veeeery light case of the case brought up by you, Bvr.
I dont get sleepy to the level I am suddenly falling asleep. Just, semi-tired.

Well if its not too serious and isn't deteriorating your quality of life then I guess you shouldn't worry about it. One thing to keep in mind tho is that some people require upwards of 12 hours of sleep to function normally. Remember that 8-9 is an average and that there have been people (such as Albert Einstein) that can fully function on 4 and vise versa. So perhaps you are one of those people on the high end? The best way to test this is to turn your alarm off on a day you don't need to wake up and just see how long it takes for you to get up.