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What Causes Severe Headache And Indigestion When Suffering From Disturbed Sleep Pattern?

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Posted on Mon, 18 Apr 2016
Question: Myself a 28 yr old girl doing mba..since childhood i used to sleep for 2 hrs in afternoon and 7 hrs in night and if anyhow i dont sleep for this much time i get headache recently i have joined college . Because of busy schedule of my classes i cant get my noon sleep n in night also for 4- 5 hrs hence i get severe headache and also indigestion because of which i cant concentrate. the headache only subside when i sleep .tell me some conservative type of treatment as i dont want to take medicines on regular basis.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pankaj Borade (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
need few more information

Detailed Answer:
Dear
Welcome to HCM
Firstly, I would like to obtain a more information relevant to headache, so that we can establish a specific condition and work in that direction.
Following are my questions to you-
1) how is the severity of headache on the a scale of 1 to 10?
2) does it always follow if there is lack of sleep?
3) can you describe the nature of the headache- dull/diffuse aching type, throbbing kind, like a constricted band surrounding forehead, only half of head is aching, etc?
4) Any associated problem of difficulty in vision, nausea, vomiting,etc

Secondly, I need to asses the impact of sleep deprivation, for which my questions to you are
1) do you feel low, irritable when not able to obtain an adequate sleep?
2) is it associated with urges to sleep during the day time?
3) Any compliant of fatigue, weakness, pain in body?

The list of questions may appear cumbersome, however it is essential that we explore all possible reasons and information related to a complaint.

My suggestions-
1) or headache you can take over the counter medications like ibuprofen (instead of paracetamol) as required, not exceeding 3 times a day for three days.
2) for stomach problem, I suggest taking one 40 mg pantoprazole at bedtime for three days.

After we establish a specific condition, we can work towards formulating strategy which may include few lifestyle changes and suggestions.

Kindly revert back soon.
regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Pankaj Borade (29 minutes later)
Thanks for d reply
1) severity is 6
2) yes always a headache if i dont sleep
3)it starts from dull aching type then slowly become throbbing type.
4) yes i feel nausea sometimes.
5) i do feel irritable when i cant sleep.
6) yes there are urges to sleep because as i sleep my headache is gone and i feel fresh.
7) i sometimes feel fatigue bt that is because i am not feeling well due to headache.
one more thing to add as i get a good sleep on sundays or holidays there is no headache nor any indigestion.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pankaj Borade (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Few lifestyle modifications suggested

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back to HCM.

My interpretations are:
1) Your body and mind are subjected to stress which is due to the disturbed sleep pattern.
2) The bodily symptoms of headache, gastric related problems are manifestation of stress.
3) The primary cause here is sleep disturbance.

Our major target here should be to have a quality sleep of 7-8 hrs a day and to stay active during the day.

Following are few lifestyle changes that can promote healthy sleep pattern:

1) I would strongly recommend to enter bed by no late than 11 pm and getting up by 7 am in morning. This would ensure adequate sleep. A cup tea or coffee in morning time should help.

2) Giving up afternoon sleep would be beneficial for you as it happens to clash with your study Hours. A light lunch meal and cup of tea or coffee around 2 pm will help maintain awareness and help to tackle afternoon sleepiness.

3) for headache I would advice taking over the counter medications such as ibuprofen or paracetamol for initial few days until a regular sleep rhythm is set up. A single tablet of it can be taken as an when required.

4) it is strongly suggested to maintain a regular bedtime for sleep(around 11 pm). A brief power nap of not exceeding 15- 20 min(strictly) sometimes during the daytime can help. Do not consume stimulant beverages(tea, coffee) after 6 pm as it may interfere with the nighttime sleep.

5) A 20 min moderate exercise in morning in bright sunlight will help in tuning the circadian rhythm. It will also help reducing stress.

These exercises can help in tuning the sleep wake cycle to the desired timings and eventually reduce the stress and promote healthy sleep.

It is important to understand that the results would show up gradually and and not instantly, as these interventions intent to modify the lifestyle.

If there persist excessive daytime sleepiness and headache, in that case more aggressive treatment in terms of medications would be required.

A consultation to nearby sleep expert or psychiatrist will certainly help.
You can write to me at anytime for further queries and difficulties.

Stay healthy
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Pankaj Borade (40 minutes later)
ok thanks for suggestions
Can u please tell me is any specific exercise that i should do ? Can yoga be of some help to me.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pankaj Borade (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, aerobic exercises and yoga would help

Detailed Answer:
welcome.
A brisk walk, cycling, light jogging or aerobic exercises in morning. If it is outdoor under early sun, it will be more beneficial.
yes, yoga is a good way to deal with the stress, provided you learn it from a proper teacher.
Certain mind and body relaxation techniques can be suggested, however you ll need to approach a psychologist to learn it.

thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Pankaj Borade

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 571 Questions

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What Causes Severe Headache And Indigestion When Suffering From Disturbed Sleep Pattern?

Brief Answer: need few more information Detailed Answer: Dear Welcome to HCM Firstly, I would like to obtain a more information relevant to headache, so that we can establish a specific condition and work in that direction. Following are my questions to you- 1) how is the severity of headache on the a scale of 1 to 10? 2) does it always follow if there is lack of sleep? 3) can you describe the nature of the headache- dull/diffuse aching type, throbbing kind, like a constricted band surrounding forehead, only half of head is aching, etc? 4) Any associated problem of difficulty in vision, nausea, vomiting,etc Secondly, I need to asses the impact of sleep deprivation, for which my questions to you are 1) do you feel low, irritable when not able to obtain an adequate sleep? 2) is it associated with urges to sleep during the day time? 3) Any compliant of fatigue, weakness, pain in body? The list of questions may appear cumbersome, however it is essential that we explore all possible reasons and information related to a complaint. My suggestions- 1) or headache you can take over the counter medications like ibuprofen (instead of paracetamol) as required, not exceeding 3 times a day for three days. 2) for stomach problem, I suggest taking one 40 mg pantoprazole at bedtime for three days. After we establish a specific condition, we can work towards formulating strategy which may include few lifestyle changes and suggestions. Kindly revert back soon. regards