Expert: Melissa Anderson - 8/13/2007

Question
Hi, I'm 32 Y.O. healthy single female, heigt is 170cm, weight 75Kg, don't excercise. work as a dermatologist, I'm preparing for my board exam. whenever I start studying I feel sleepy, I can't resist sleeping desire.
I don't have any sleeping disorder, no health problems. My question is: any medications or vitamins can I take to keep me awake and alert??? any special diet ???
Thanks a lot

Answer
Fayza,
If you're a dermatologist, I'm not really sure why you're asking. I'm sure you already know you need to see your doctor for a quick workup of the most common causes of fatigue-thyroid, anemia, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, etc. Just a reminder-obstructive sleep apnea is NOT just for the overweight. OSA is definitely seen in normal-weight people, just not as often.
And finally, remember exercise (critically important) and good sleep hygiene (you are studying for boards so your sleep hygeine could probably use a makeover).
If you really do all these things and still have a problem, then there are several prescription medications that can help temporarily, but there's nothing over the counter except coffee.
Melissa