HomeAnswersGeneral MedicineinsomniaI lack sleep and have gained weight. What could be the reason?

What can be the reason for lack of sleep and weight gain?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At October 24, 2017
Reviewed AtAugust 18, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My mother is 60 years old. She recently got her tests done. She is not able to sleep properly. She is unable to regain her sleep if she wakes up during the night. Can you please go through the reports and let me know what the actual problem is? I am attaching a copy of the test results of CBP, lipid profile, urine culture and sensitivity test, VITEK test, thyroid test, and fasting blood sugar level.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through the attached reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity). She has a urine infection that can be well treated by the antibiotics mentioned in the culture report. Her problem of sleeplessness is unrelated to any of these test reports. She has insomnia, and it seems that stress and depression are the major reasons behind this. I suggest she take Zolpidem for a short course. This medicine will help in inducing sleep and help her in waking up afresh the next day. Zolpidem is a prescription medicine and is used for short-term treatment of insomnia. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him/her and take this medicine with their consent.

I would recommend her exercises, walks, and to avoid caffeine and chocolates. I would suggest her not sleeping during the daytime and avoiding electronic gadgets while she is in bed attempting to sleep. Start meditation and yoga. Once her Zolpidem is stopped, with the help of lifestyle modification, she can sleep comfortably.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

She has gained 17.64 Ibs in four months. What can be the possible cause of her increase in weight? She was in bed for two months as she was suffering from a meniscal tear. Is there anything to worry?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

No, weight gain is probably due to increased bed rest and depression. I would suggest you get her athyroid profile done, if not done yet. I also would suggest her to see a physiotherapist to help her with movements. In any case, it is essential for her to move as her urine infection is due to the confinement to bed.

I hope this helps you. If you have any further queries, please ask me.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Anshul Varshney
Dr. Anshul Varshney

Internal Medicine

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