Sleep, Family Medicine FAQ

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Understanding Sleep Issues: Common Causes and Solutions for Better Rest

Sleep issues I'm not sure which specialty to ask, but I want to inquire about my sleep. I sleep for nine hours every day, but I still feel tired in the morning after waking up. I also use my phone before bed. Could this be affecting my sleep? Is there any illness associated ...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: At your age, common factors that may affect sleep include hormonal imbalances, irregular lifestyle habits, stress, and anxiety, among others. Using your phone before bed may impact your ability to fall asleep, leading to poor sleep quality. It is recommended that you consu...

[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues: Common Causes and Solutions for Better Rest


Understanding Frequent Yawning: Causes and When to Seek Help

I have been yawning frequently in the past few days? I would like to ask about a recent experience where I've been feeling the urge to yawn unexpectedly for about 3 to 4 days, regardless of the time of day (sometimes even while showering at night). Occasionally, this is acco...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Xiangyang: 1. There are many reasons for frequent yawning, with common causes including stroke, cardiovascular diseases, oral or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) disorders, and kidney diseases. It could also be due to fatigue, substance addiction, caffeine dependence, or sl...

[Read More] Understanding Frequent Yawning: Causes and When to Seek Help


Disrupted Circadian Rhythm: Tips for Better Sleep Patterns

Circadian rhythm disruption is suspected? Hello Doctor: Recently, due to summer vacation, I have been going to bed very late, around midnight and sleeping until about noon. However, in the past week, I have noticed that I am experiencing light sleep at night, waking up several ti...


Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Adjusting your daily routine requires perseverance and determination. It is recommended to open the curtains to let the morning sunlight into your bedroom. During the day, try to schedule self-study and exercise as much as possible. It's important to keep a consistent...

[Read More] Disrupted Circadian Rhythm: Tips for Better Sleep Patterns


Does Sleeping Only 3-4 Hours a Night Affect Your Health?

Sleeping only three to four hours a day can have significant negative effects on the body. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a range of health issues, including impaired cognitive function, weakened immune response, increased risk of chronic conditions such as obesity, diabet...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, the normal sleep duration for your age is 7-9 hours. Therefore, your current sleep time is actually insufficient, and reduced sleep duration may accelerate brain aging and the degeneration of other bodily organs. If you do not have any specific discomfo...

[Read More] Does Sleeping Only 3-4 Hours a Night Affect Your Health?


Understanding Left Armpit Bone Pain: When to Seek Medical Help

Pain in the left axilla upon palpation of the bone? In the past week, I have been working 12-hour shifts every day. I have started to experience symptoms such as soreness in my left armpit when pressing on the bone, a bit of shortness of breath, and a rapid heartbeat for several ...


Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! It is recommended that you first visit a pulmonology clinic.

[Read More] Understanding Left Armpit Bone Pain: When to Seek Medical Help


Managing Menopausal Symptoms: Night Sweats, Heart Palpitations, and Insomnia

Menopausal palpitations and insomnia? Hello, I am 53 years old. In 2021, I had a uterine fibroid about 10 cm in size, which was surgically removed along with my uterus, while my ovaries were preserved. Over the past year, I have started experiencing episodes of waking up at night...


Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello: For menopausal syndrome, please consult a gynecologist to check for hormone reduction. Medication treatment may lead to some improvement.

[Read More] Managing Menopausal Symptoms: Night Sweats, Heart Palpitations, and Insomnia


Feeling Sleepy After Meals: Understanding Your Symptoms and Causes

Feeling sleepy after a meal? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing symptoms for several days now. After finishing my meals, I often feel sleepy, have difficulty concentrating, and want to lie down. I also experience chest tightness and sweaty palms, although I don't necess...


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, the situation described is difficult to explain with a single disease. First, it is important to rule out any sleep disorders. It is recommended to maintain a regular schedule, going to bed early and waking up early, as well as engaging in regular exercise. Please note tha...

[Read More] Feeling Sleepy After Meals: Understanding Your Symptoms and Causes


COVID-19 Symptoms or Autonomic Nervous System Disorder?

Is it a symptom of the confirmed diagnosis or is there an additional complication of autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Hello, doctor. I would like to explain that I am experiencing a second diagnosis of COVID-19 and I have a history of mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation...


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, whether or not a diagnosis is confirmed should still be determined by viral testing. However, it is difficult to confirm the presence of the aforementioned discomfort symptoms based on experience and clinical research. It is advisable to seek appropriate treatment or manag...

[Read More] COVID-19 Symptoms or Autonomic Nervous System Disorder?


Understanding Chronic Nausea and Dry Heaving: Seeking Solutions

Easily feels nauseous and experiences dry heaving? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing a symptom since elementary school where I often feel nauseous and have the urge to vomit. I have seen doctors, but no diagnosis was made. Throughout my growth, this symptom has not been con...


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, it is essential to first rule out whether physiological factors are the cause. Of course, psychosomatic factors may also play a role, and the low potassium levels in your blood test could be related to unstable intake or absorption. It is advisable to consult your family p...

[Read More] Understanding Chronic Nausea and Dry Heaving: Seeking Solutions


Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Issues: When to Seek Help

Chest tightness and shortness of breath? Hello doctor, I have been staying up late frequently, usually sleeping around 5 to 7 hours, with a bedtime around 4 AM. I had a similar issue last October and sought medical attention. At that time, my electrocardiogram, blood tests, and X...


Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello J: You are experiencing chest tightness and some shortness of breath. Your previous physical examination was normal, but it has been over six months, so it is advisable to seek medical attention again. You can choose to see either a family medicine physician or a pulmonolog...

[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Issues: When to Seek Help


Can You Take Yuli Shupan and Healthy Sleep Together Safely?

Can Yu Li Shu Pan and Le Bi Ke be taken together? Hello, may I ask if "Yuli Shupan" and "Jiankang Demian" can be taken together before bedtime? Will there be any interactions between them? Thank you for your clarification!


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: When taking Fludiazepam and Zopiclone together, it is important to monitor for side effects such as dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and drowsiness.

[Read More] Can You Take Yuli Shupan and Healthy Sleep Together Safely?


Concerns About Potential Infections from Hotel Showerheads in Taiwan

Please ask your question? Hello doctor, I would like to ask a question. My family and I were playing at a hotel in Taiwan, and while showering, I pressed the showerhead, which has many tiny holes, and suddenly felt a sharp pain. At that moment, I checked the showerhead and didn&#...


Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
If the water pressure is strong and the contact area is small, it is indeed possible to experience a stinging sensation. If there are no external injuries, redness, or other symptoms, there is likely no need for excessive concern. You may also consult a family medicine or dermato...

[Read More] Concerns About Potential Infections from Hotel Showerheads in Taiwan


Understanding Cold Sensation and Rapid Heartbeat During Sleep

Regarding feeling cold and experiencing a rapid heartbeat while sleeping? I have been having trouble sleeping lately and have some questions for the doctor. Recently, I feel very cold while sleeping. At first, I thought it might be due to the air conditioning or fan being too str...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The symptoms of feeling cold and having a rapid heartbeat at night are likely due to high stress causing irregular sleep patterns, which results in sympathetic nervous system activation. However, it is also important to consider other issues such as infections or endocrine...

[Read More] Understanding Cold Sensation and Rapid Heartbeat During Sleep


Understanding Night Sweats: When to Seek Medical Attention

The issue of night sweats? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask how to distinguish between normal sweating and night sweats. If I can't tell the difference, how can I know if I need to seek medical attention? Do night sweats come with any symptoms, such as cold sweats? Thank y...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Generally, sweating is primarily caused by physical activity or a hot environment, while night sweats are not typically related to these two situations. Night sweats are somewhat similar to cold sweats, but they specifically refer to excessive sweating that occurs at night...

[Read More] Understanding Night Sweats: When to Seek Medical Attention


Understanding Frequent Breathing Difficulties: Asthma or Heart Issues?

Shortness of breath Hello, doctor. I have a question today. I have asthma, and during an attack, I experience frequent coughing, poor sleep, and even difficulty breathing. Using bronchodilators provides significant relief. I find that changes in weather can easily trigger my asth...


Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello, Qing: It seems that you are using short-acting bronchodilators more frequently. If you are experiencing frequent episodes, it is recommended to use both short-acting and long-acting bronchodilators together, as this can help stabilize your breathing. During episodes of dys...

[Read More] Understanding Frequent Breathing Difficulties: Asthma or Heart Issues?


Headaches and Eye Issues: When to See a Family Doctor

Headache, inability to open eyes? Hello, doctor. I apologize for the interruption. My father experienced symptoms of headache and dizziness last Friday. The headache was located on both sides of his head, and he couldn't sleep at night, appearing very fatigued. By Monday, hi...


Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! For acute issues, it is recommended that you seek medical attention immediately at a healthcare facility!

[Read More] Headaches and Eye Issues: When to See a Family Doctor


Why Am I Sleeping 15 Hours and Still Feeling Tired?

Recently, even after sleeping for over ten hours, I still feel easily fatigued? Hello, doctor. I have been sleeping for about fourteen to fifteen hours a day for the past few days, and after waking up for more than an hour, I start to feel sleepy again. I haven't taken any m...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The reasons for your fatigue, aside from medication effects or physical exhaustion, may also include considerations such as anemia, infections, sleep apnea, abnormalities in heart/liver/kidney function, blood sugar/electrolyte imbalances, endocrine disorders, and other iss...

[Read More] Why Am I Sleeping 15 Hours and Still Feeling Tired?


Understanding Left Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

Left abdominal pain and tenderness? Hello Dr. Chen, I underwent a kidney biopsy on March 21 due to lupus erythematosus affecting my left kidney. Additionally, I recently discovered a teratoma and am currently awaiting surgery. Over the past week or two, I have occasionally expe...


Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Ms. Ann, In your letter, you mentioned experiencing intermittent pain and tenderness in the left upper and lower abdomen over the past week or two. Although you underwent a left kidney biopsy a few weeks ago and have a history of teratoma, these may not be directly related....

[Read More] Understanding Left Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help


Understanding Elevated Lymphocyte Levels: What You Need to Know

Elevated lymphocyte count? Hello, doctor! On January 8th of this year, I had a routine blood test at the clinic, and the results showed: neutrophils at 33.5%, lymphocytes at 55%, and monocytes at 9.6%. Due to the abnormal results, I underwent another test on April 8th, and the re...


Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on the information you provided, the proportion of lymphocytes is elevated. Treatment should be aligned with your clinical symptoms. Generally, the subtypes of white blood cells maintain a dynamic balance. If there are any concerns, you may follow up at a medical fac...

[Read More] Understanding Elevated Lymphocyte Levels: What You Need to Know


Understanding Sudden Sleepiness: Possible Causes and Concerns

Sudden excessive sleepiness? Hello Doctor, for the past week or two, I have suddenly been experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness every afternoon, along with weakness in my right limbs. I used to rarely feel my heart beating, but now I can easily sense it. This week, I have als...


Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello Ms. Hsu: 1. Hyperthyroidism can also cause these symptoms; please consult a metabolic specialist. 2. If you experience persistent anxiety and difficulty sleeping, it may be a case of autonomic nervous system dysregulation; please see a psychiatrist.

[Read More] Understanding Sudden Sleepiness: Possible Causes and Concerns


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