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What Causes Fatigue When Suffering From Sleep Apnea?

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Posted on Tue, 15 Jul 2014
Question: Hello,

I feel feel fatigued and lifeless all the time for the last ten years. All my blood tests
are normal please help. I have a mild sleep apnea 7 pauses per hour my
doctor thinks its almost normal i should not treat it. Please guide what i should do
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sunil Gupta (44 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please see details below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I do understand your concern regarding your condition, more so when all investigations are coming out to be normal.

First of all, regarding sleep apnea. I will agree with your doctor. You don't have to worry about it. You can start exercising daily which will help you relax. I don'y now your weight, but if it is on the higher side, losing weight will be helpful too.

Coming to your problem of feeling fatigued and lifeless for last ten years. It is very much possible that you might be suffering from dysthymia which is mild variant of depression but more chronic in nature. It is usually manifested by feeling low and having low bod energy or having no interest in any pleasurable activities.

I would suggest you seek a psychiatric consultation for complete evaluation. You might benefit from use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like sertraline or escitalopram. You can also consider the option of psychotherapy like cognitive behavior therapy which will consist of multiple sessions focusing on relaxation and change in any maladaptive thoughts that you might be harboring.

Hope, that answers your query. Please feel free to ask any further query that you might have.

Best wishes,

Dr. Sunil Gupta
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sunil Gupta

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 637 Questions

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What Causes Fatigue When Suffering From Sleep Apnea?

Brief Answer: Please see details below. Detailed Answer: Hi, I do understand your concern regarding your condition, more so when all investigations are coming out to be normal. First of all, regarding sleep apnea. I will agree with your doctor. You don't have to worry about it. You can start exercising daily which will help you relax. I don'y now your weight, but if it is on the higher side, losing weight will be helpful too. Coming to your problem of feeling fatigued and lifeless for last ten years. It is very much possible that you might be suffering from dysthymia which is mild variant of depression but more chronic in nature. It is usually manifested by feeling low and having low bod energy or having no interest in any pleasurable activities. I would suggest you seek a psychiatric consultation for complete evaluation. You might benefit from use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like sertraline or escitalopram. You can also consider the option of psychotherapy like cognitive behavior therapy which will consist of multiple sessions focusing on relaxation and change in any maladaptive thoughts that you might be harboring. Hope, that answers your query. Please feel free to ask any further query that you might have. Best wishes, Dr. Sunil Gupta