Nutrition Forum - Depression ? I sleep alot and am constipated w/ weight gain

Nutrition > Nutrition Forum > Depression ? I sleep alot and am constipated w/ weight gain

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Q: Depression ? I sleep alot and am constipated w/ weight gain

asked by: DoctorQuestion on July 23rd, 2007

1- my first problem is that i sleep alot, its not that i cant control my sleeping habits but most of the time when i feel sleepy (although i had a good nights sleep) i just sort of give in and prefer sleeping. i sleep during lectures, i sleep while commuting..i feel tired and drowsy even after i wake up and freshen up my self.

2- during last year n a half, i have gained considerable amount of weight, i was 44kg and now i am 51. i have gained weight after i started my university as now i dont involve in much sports, but before university when i was still in college and even in my school i was very actively involved in sports

3- i am constipated quite alot of times which is very uncomfortable.. i must mention here that i dont consume a lot of proteins.... i eat chicken, fish, egg, minced meat and meat balls, but other then this i dont each much of beaf/mutton but i do eat pulses.

please tel me some tests or anything wich i need to get done
thanx

Replies(4)

Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD

replied on August 17th, 2007

Nutrition Answer A3170

Given the symptoms you report (sleepiness, weight gain and constipation) you could be experiencing depression. One of the characteristics of depression is the lack of will to do anything which, in turn, causes low physical and mental activity. Lower mental activity can cause sleepiness and low physical activity can cause weight gain.

Constipation is due to a decreased peristaltic action of the intestines. Peristalsis is controlled by the neuro-vegetative system. This is why a person's psycho-emotional life can manifest an influence on neurovegetative system and indirectly cause constipation.

You can consult your GP about this condition. S/he might recommend a follow-up session with a trusted mental health professional or other resources. Be sure to ask that the status of the thyroid gland be checked, also. A decreased function in the thyroid gland can cause symptoms like yours, too.

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Comments (3)

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