Medpedia

Interesting piece in the New York Times re: sleep -- the author cites studies that reinforce the connection between more exercise and better sleep.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/01/health/01really.html?

You can see the cited studies here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19633062?itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum&ordinalpos=1 and here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15892929?itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum&ordinalpos=1

In my experience with sleeplessness I have found that it is very difficult to find the energy for exercising when I am sleep-deprived. While I know that I should exercise in order to sleep better at night,  my fatigue prevents me from acting on this knowledge.

I generally feel most energized in the middle of the day when I am at work and don't have the opportunity to be physically active. I am always exhausted in the morning and by the time I get home from work I feel drained again.

Does anyone have any tips or tricks for how to overcome this problem?

You're right...it's a catch-22. Regular exercise is possible for people who can sleep moderately well. If you don't sleep enough, or efficiently enough, then you'll lack the energy or the motivation to exercise. There are lots of different reasons for being abnormally tired. Some of the most popular explanations include adrenal fatigue syndrome, hypothyroidism, anemia, various gastro-intestinal problems, yeast, mold, etc. 

I noticed you played water polo in college. That level of physical activity is what kept you going, but now with a more sedentary lifestyle and possibly with a slight bit of weight gain (sorry), you may be more tired than you wish, no matter how long you sleep. 

If you normally prefer not to sleep on your back, it's likely you may have a sleep-breathing disorder. If you want further clarification on these issues (if this describes you) you can contact me or take a look at my book, Sleep, Interrupted: A physician reveals the #1 reason why so many of us are sick and tired. I wrote this book for people in your situation.

This is really helpful, Dr. Park. You are right about the weight gain (though I'm now, finally, working to reverse that!) and the preference for sleeping on my side. I will check out your book and let you know if I have any other questions.

Many thanks!