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What Causes Memory Issues Despite Having Healthy Sleep Habits?

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Posted on Tue, 12 Jul 2016
Question: I drive a commercial truck. I can't remember driving from point one to point two. driving time is only average 2.5 hours. No other systems I know of. I get enough sleep.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Some questions to help me answer you better.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Well, I'm sure this is concerning to you, but let's try to sort out what might be going on. First I'll need to ask you some questions:

1. Is the route from pt 1 to pt 2 fairly routine for you?
2. Have you had a lot on your mind lately? Stress? Distracted a lot?
3. Has this happened more than one time?
4. Are you having memory problems other wise? For example, can you remember what you ate for supper tonight?
5. Have there been any episodes of completely blacking out?
6. Do you have any underlying health problems such as diabetes? Drink much alcohol?
7. Have other people noticed that you are being unusually forgetful, and has this increased recently?

Thanks - I can write more specific information after I hear back.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (11 hours later)
Dr. XXXXXXX Berger-Durnbaugh.
HealthcareMagic.com
(1.)     Routs vary within 250 mile radius.
(2.)     New job been at it about 8 months. Love the job don’t feel stressed doing it.
(3.)     This happens all the time.
(4.)     No memory problems.
(5.)     No blanking out problems.
(6.)     Don’t drink, no drugs. No diabetes.
(7.)     No one notices any problems.

I was told I always snore loudly when sleeping.
If I have sleep apnea could this cause my problem?
Also note I am a night person always have been on my other jobs.
This job is a night job and I believe I am getting enough sleep to do it.

Thank you for your help.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
A sleep study may help.

Detailed Answer:
Reading through your answers, this doesn't sound like a concerning neurological problem (no black outs, etc). The next thing I'm thinking about is memory problems, but you don't seem to have problems with recall other than this specific thing.

Poor quality sleep such as from sleep apnea (which is more likely if you snore) can cause memory problems, but I would expect some fatigue, and distractedness, and the memory blips would likely not be just for this particular situation.

If you think you might have sleep apnea (and this is a possibility) then a sleep study can help sort out what is going on. For this (which requires an order from a doctor), you go into a sleep lab, and your brain waves and breathing patterns are monitored while you sleep. If it turns out that there is sleep apnea, there are a variety of treatments, including a CPAP machine that you use when you sleep, to keep airways open.

If you do not have a sleep problem or memory disorder, is it possible the lack of recall between the two points of driving may be from being an experienced truck driver and allowing your thoughts to wander?

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
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
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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What Causes Memory Issues Despite Having Healthy Sleep Habits?

Brief Answer: Some questions to help me answer you better. Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, Well, I'm sure this is concerning to you, but let's try to sort out what might be going on. First I'll need to ask you some questions: 1. Is the route from pt 1 to pt 2 fairly routine for you? 2. Have you had a lot on your mind lately? Stress? Distracted a lot? 3. Has this happened more than one time? 4. Are you having memory problems other wise? For example, can you remember what you ate for supper tonight? 5. Have there been any episodes of completely blacking out? 6. Do you have any underlying health problems such as diabetes? Drink much alcohol? 7. Have other people noticed that you are being unusually forgetful, and has this increased recently? Thanks - I can write more specific information after I hear back.