I'm not myself recently

[Nick1911]

Where recently means 2 - 4 years.  I think it may be sleep related, but I don't know.  I think I get enough sleep most the time, but I just don't feel coherent most the time.  It's almost like when you have a bad cold.  I just can't seem to concetrate on more then one thing.  My short term memory is done, I have to write down EVERYTHING if I want to remember it.

Does this sound like sleep?  Being in college I have a pretty irregular sleep schedule most the time, but over the last 4 years I feel like I've been getting worse and worse.  I don't even like driving anymore because I feel like I can't focus on the road and keep my eyes peeled looking out for someone that might pull out of a drive way in front of me or something.

Anyone have any ideas?  I'm going to try getting more sleep, but if I'm not feeling better in a few weeks, I'm going to see a doctor I think.

[The Rabbi]

Try getting some treatment for depression.  That can often cause just those symptoms.

[Felonious Monk/Fignozzle]

I'm curious if you've ever had your blood sugar tested?

Do you sometimes feel like you're rolling downhill with ball bearings under your feet even when standing/sitting still?

Do you get extremely sleepy 30min-an hour after, say, a bowl of cereal or a burger & fries?

Just trying to help ID what's going on...

[Nick1911]

I'm curious if you've ever had your blood sugar tested?

No, I haven't.  Are you thinking diabetes?  fwiw, I have a cousin who is diabetic.

Do you sometimes feel like you're rolling downhill with ball bearings under your feet even when standing/sitting still?

No, but sometimes I do feel like I'm on the verge of passing out, which is another reason I don't feel able to drive sometimes.  (I don't want to pass out while driving)

Do you get extremely sleepy 30min-an hour after, say, a bowl of cereal or a burger & fries?

Maybe.  I haven't really thought about it.

Try getting some treatment for depression.  That can often cause just those symptoms.

That's very interesting... I don't think I feel depressed...?

[Old Fud]

SEE A DOCTOR!!!  

1) Diabetes is not uncommon and it runs in families.
 
2) I can think of a few other medical maladies --- hypothyroid condition being one of them -- that would do that.   So would emphysema.    Low blood pressure, which can be caused by a number of conditions.     (you will start to pass out if you read BELOW 80 over 55 -- and 90 over 60 is a wonderful athlete's state at rest.)

3) And the "Depression" diagnosis is worth considering too.

Depression is not limited to "I feel unhappy".
It is also "I don't care any more."

I once told a doctor that I had no thought or intention of stepping in front of a truck, but if I happened to be in the middle of the street and saw one coming, I probably wouldn't hurry to get out of it's way.   Boy, did he ever come to a point!

4)  It could be lack of QUALITY sleep.   That might be dreams; it might be muscle cramps; it could be a lousy mattress or pillow.   Apnea is a known cause of sleep-related problems.

A good doctor will help you to pick one of the above and then work on it.

Good luck,
Fud

[Nick1911]

SEE A DOCTOR!!!

Point taken, I really probably should, espically since this is now affecting my daily life...

...hypothyroid condition being one of them...

My mom actually has a thyroid condition.  I'm unaware of the specifics, but I know she has to take medication for it every day, forever.  Do thyroid problems run in families?

Anyway, I'm going to try to get lots of sleep, but I will probably at least speak with a doctor about it before school fires up.

[jefnvk]

Well, I know how you feel.  And I am diabetic.  Not saying with any authority that it may be your problem, just someone to compare yourself to.  I cannot concentrate worth a damn, honestly moving the mouse from one icon to another gives me enough time to lose concentration.  Short term memory while not awful, just doesn't exist unless I get it in mind that what I need in memory is important, although I thinkk that is more of a concentration problem.

Honestly, I've felt worse since summer, when I am on a pretty regular sleep cycle with enough sleep per night (11:30 or so until 7).  When I was all over in school, I felt much better.

Just another thought, how physically active are you?  I've slowed down a lot over the summer, and I do think it is part of my problem.  Winter time, I was skiing or playing hockey or snowshoeing just about every day.  Now, I work all day, come home and sit all day, and feel like crap.

[cosine]

Dude, I think I'll second the recommendation to see a doctor. (Although I'm sure you're going to do that now anyway. )

[Ex-MA Hole]

Sleep apnea?

Oh, and see a Doctor.