wakefulness

wakefulness

[wāk′fulnəs]

1 an alert state of mind.

2 sleeplessness or insomnia.

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wakefulness

believed to occur when the tonic flow of impulses from the reticular activating system exceeds the critical level for sustaining consciousness; reduction of reticular activating system activity is the basis of the pharmacological induction of sedation.

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Patient discussion about wakefulness.

Q. I go to sleep & use to wake up paralyzed in my sleep. I go to sleep & use to wake up paralyzed in my sleep. But not asleep, just laying there, eyes wide open paralyzed. I couldn't breath, I couldn't speak, move anything but my eyes. I could look around but I couldn't even breathe. This has happened a few times in my old house, once in my mother's house (she lived by the side of a graveyard), and then only once in my new house. What is it and what do you think is causing it?

A. I had the same problem but never at night...and it only happened during the day when I take nap. I will wake up and I can't move or talk, I can't open my eyes either. I've never been able to snap out of it though, I just have to lay there until I go back to sleep, and usually it doesn't happen when I wake up the next time. Needless to say I try NOT to take naps anymore, because it happens nearly every time.

Q. Waking up to the bathroom I'm a 66 years old man and usually healthy, but in the last few months I find myself waking up several times during the night to urinate. It also takes the stream longer than usuall to end. I don't have pain during urinating, and other than that everything is more or less OK. Can that be related to the prostate? I heard that in adult men the prostate grows and obstruct the urine. Does that mean I have cancer in the prostate? Thank you!

A. I uritane every hour on the hour. I feel the problem is my consumption of coffee is causing dehydration. Nevertheless, I should not have such frequency. I am 53 and get up at least 3 times every night. Sure, I can see my Urologist and he will tell me it is my prostate slight enlargement, and prescribe that drug one takes to have a full session, or, a more evasive treatment where he inserts this rod into my pennis to clear away obstruction? I don't know, perhaps there is something I can start, you know, a natural remedy? Your thoughts are welcomed. Oh,not to mention, another related symptom is the innability to sustain an errection for a decent period of time. Ok, your turn, let me know.

Q. Wake up at night with severe pains in the bones of lower leg I have had back problems for many years.

A. Could be something as simple as not enough water or calcium but you should see a Dr. Shin splints also comes to mind.