I cant sleep since my op why!!!

[LizzieBee]

Hi everyone! I missed this thread earlier and yes I suffer from 'up all night' syndrome frequently since my surgery. I have found this waking early thing on many bypass forums so it appears to be very common. With a bit of reading, it seems to be a hormone related issue, specifically the reduction of leptin & ghrelin (2 hormones that play a role in appetite & metabolism). Because your hormone production is affected by the bypassed section of your intestines, you have a chemically induced reduction of hunger/increase in metabolism along with more efficient energy expenditure. Therefore you will find shortly after surgery that you need less sleep, feel more rested and have more energy. This hormone balance is also subject to adjustment by weight loss, so as you drop more pounds the hormones are reduced again so you can have some sleepless nights until your body levels out.

Here are 2 of my sources:
ScienceDirect - Psychoneuroendocrinology : Nocturnal levels of ghrelin and leptin and sleep in chronic insomnia
The Early Effect of the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass on Hormones Involved in Body Weight Regulation and Glucose Metabolism

So, it is normal, happens to lots of us and you shouldn't need sleeping pills if you feel rested when you wake. If that is not the case, speak to your doctor.

HTH,
Nic

Thank you, Nic! Gail, Karlos and I knew we could count on the oracle for the science bit!

Although, seeing as how you are 11 months post op, I'll prepare for the long haul!

Lx

 

[thinkbethin]

I've only just started sleeping well. Even then I still don't need much sleep.

I don't feel tired or anything. My theory is that I'm not using as much energy through the day to get around now so I don't need as much sleep to recover!

If you still feel tired, perhaps see the doc. If you're not feeling tired then just bide your time

Great theory!!!