Question: I generally wake up around 6:30 - 7 a.m. each day after hitting the sack about 10 - 10:30 the night before. I feel as though I sleep well, though sometimes rise about 3 a.m. fully awake and tend to get up and use this energy (go to the toilet, read something, etc). If this happens, it only lasts about half an hour, then I can get back to sleep.

So from when I awake until about 9 - 9:30 a.m. I am energetic and alert and then hit a 'trough' of what I describe as tiredness which is manifested as slight neck strain and 'pressure' behind the ears and into the scalp. It is not completely debilitating so much as just annoying. I also have a similar low around 1 - 2 p.m. each day. Neither 'trough' is as bad if I am active (outside, walking, visiting work sites etc) than stuck at home or office. In the afternoon, a 20-30 minute power nap seems to deal with the problem adequately but this is clearly more difficult in the morning having just started work, etc.

I would describe myself as a healthy though not 'fit' 43 yo male, slightly overweight but fairly active (gardening, golf, swimming and hiking). I suffered a 'non-specific viral illness' about 13 years ago and was fatigued for a few months after that and had a sleep test which didn't reveal anything but then I don't think it was a particularly reliable testing facility. My partner says I snore when I am on my back.

I guess my questions are:
a) Are these 'troughs' natural...a part of my natural rhythms? If so, is there anything that can be done to manage them, other than having naps?
b) If not natural, are they related to a physical problem such as being overweight or neck strain/posture?
c) If not natural, could they be related to my past issues with viral fatigue?

cheers XXXXXXX

Thanks Dr XXXXXXX

Good to know it is most likely natural.

Just in regards to your fourth paragraph. What do you mean by 'sleep hygiene' and delay 'it' til 5:30 pm?

cheers XXXXXXX