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Can Thyroid issues cause sleep problems and panic attacks?
Can thyroid issues cause sleep problems?
37 year old healthy male, 5'8 and 150 pounds. No history of health problems. The endocrinologist said he doesn't think I have any thyroid issues based on my physical exam, but he ordered more blood work. General health panel, TBG, Lipid Panel, Thyroglobulin, Microsomal ABS, T4 Free.
Previously, my T3 Uptake levels were a bit low. T4 was normal. Cholesterol, Triglycerides, etc., are high because I feel poorly when I exercise. Good cholesterol is low.
My biggest concern is that something is wrong in my body. I sleep poorly and wake up like clockwork every 30-35 minutes all night long. Down to within just minutes every time. The motion sensor camera trained on my bed (extra security camera with DVR) captures me shifting every 33-35 minutes almost down to the minute all night long. Sometimes I feel pressure in my neck just below the back of the jaw bones on each side of my neck, but nothing in the front. I'm dizzy, have Gastritis for no known reason and I sleep poorly. I get heart palpitations, blood pressure spikes up and down rapidly throughout the day (especially when getting up from lying down to standing or bending over forwards. If I were to lie down in the floor on my side (playing with the dog, for instance), I can feel pressure in my face like my blood pressure spikes. I have had panic attacks/adrenal bursts and shaking all over for no reason, shortness of breath, etc. Had a few ER visits, PC doctor visits, tons of blood work, MRI of abdomen, CT contrast scan of abdomen, etc. Gastritis started after a household stomach bug and has continued for 3 months. On Nexium 40mg for that and under the care of a Gastroenterologist. I feel shaky and anxious sometimes for no reason. I'm also pretty dizzy as of the last month. I get random muscle twitches all over my body. Sometimes my stomach, neck, calves, leg, etc. My eyelids twitch all day. 2018 sleep study showed no sleep apnea and 50 RERAs in just under 5 hours. My new sleep doctor doesn't think it is sleep apnea or Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome. I've been intolerant to CPAP and he doesn't think I need it anyway. I have terrible insomnia at night, as well.
If I don't have thyroid issues, that the heck else could I have? What other doctor can I even go to see? I'm running out of them. I've also lost about 10 pounds since February.
37 year old healthy male, 5'8 and 150 pounds. No history of health problems. The endocrinologist said he doesn't think I have any thyroid issues based on my physical exam, but he ordered more blood work. General health panel, TBG, Lipid Panel, Thyroglobulin, Microsomal ABS, T4 Free.
Previously, my T3 Uptake levels were a bit low. T4 was normal. Cholesterol, Triglycerides, etc., are high because I feel poorly when I exercise. Good cholesterol is low.
My biggest concern is that something is wrong in my body. I sleep poorly and wake up like clockwork every 30-35 minutes all night long. Down to within just minutes every time. The motion sensor camera trained on my bed (extra security camera with DVR) captures me shifting every 33-35 minutes almost down to the minute all night long. Sometimes I feel pressure in my neck just below the back of the jaw bones on each side of my neck, but nothing in the front. I'm dizzy, have Gastritis for no known reason and I sleep poorly. I get heart palpitations, blood pressure spikes up and down rapidly throughout the day (especially when getting up from lying down to standing or bending over forwards. If I were to lie down in the floor on my side (playing with the dog, for instance), I can feel pressure in my face like my blood pressure spikes. I have had panic attacks/adrenal bursts and shaking all over for no reason, shortness of breath, etc. Had a few ER visits, PC doctor visits, tons of blood work, MRI of abdomen, CT contrast scan of abdomen, etc. Gastritis started after a household stomach bug and has continued for 3 months. On Nexium 40mg for that and under the care of a Gastroenterologist. I feel shaky and anxious sometimes for no reason. I'm also pretty dizzy as of the last month. I get random muscle twitches all over my body. Sometimes my stomach, neck, calves, leg, etc. My eyelids twitch all day. 2018 sleep study showed no sleep apnea and 50 RERAs in just under 5 hours. My new sleep doctor doesn't think it is sleep apnea or Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome. I've been intolerant to CPAP and he doesn't think I need it anyway. I have terrible insomnia at night, as well.
If I don't have thyroid issues, that the heck else could I have? What other doctor can I even go to see? I'm running out of them. I've also lost about 10 pounds since February.
Also, could you post your test results? "Normal" thyroid test results aren't always normal.
Have you been tested for Hashimotos (TPO and TG antibodies)? If not, you could try asking your doctor to test you.
Have you been tested for Hashimotos (TPO and TG antibodies)? If not, you could try asking your doctor to test you.
I had similar symptoms when my thyroid issues started (gastritis, palpitations, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, muscle twitches).
You mentioned that you get palpitations when you bend over. That could be related to your GI issues. The vagus nerve in your stomach can cause them when it gets irritated (gastric issues often irritate it). You may want to read up on roemheld syndrome. Thyroid issues can also cause heart palpitations (I had horrible PVCs when I was hypo but some people get them when they're hyper).
You mentioned that you get palpitations when you bend over. That could be related to your GI issues. The vagus nerve in your stomach can cause them when it gets irritated (gastric issues often irritate it). You may want to read up on roemheld syndrome. Thyroid issues can also cause heart palpitations (I had horrible PVCs when I was hypo but some people get them when they're hyper).
The answer to your question is definitely yes.
For thyroid assessment you need to be tested for Free T4, Free T3, and TSH. Note that Free T4 and Free T3 are not the same as Total T4 and Total T3. Always make sure it is the Frees. If TSH is above range, then the Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies test should be done (TPO ab). If it is within range, then get a Thyroglobulin antibodies test (TG ab). If tested for any of these, please post those, along with reference ranges shown on the lab report.
Even more important than test results are symptoms. Pleases review this list of symptoms typical of hypothyroidism and list which ones you have.
Fatigue
Increased sensitivity to cold (temp. below 98.6 which is considered normal)
Constipation ( have to use fiber or laxatives)
Dry skin (have to use moisturizer)
Weight gain/ difficulty losing weight
Puffy face
Hoarseness
Muscle weakness
Elevated blood cholesterol level
Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
Heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods
Thinning hair
Slowed heart rate
Depression
Impaired memory
Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
insomnia/sleep apnea (How many hours of sleep do you need daily?)
For thyroid assessment you need to be tested for Free T4, Free T3, and TSH. Note that Free T4 and Free T3 are not the same as Total T4 and Total T3. Always make sure it is the Frees. If TSH is above range, then the Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies test should be done (TPO ab). If it is within range, then get a Thyroglobulin antibodies test (TG ab). If tested for any of these, please post those, along with reference ranges shown on the lab report.
Even more important than test results are symptoms. Pleases review this list of symptoms typical of hypothyroidism and list which ones you have.
Fatigue
Increased sensitivity to cold (temp. below 98.6 which is considered normal)
Constipation ( have to use fiber or laxatives)
Dry skin (have to use moisturizer)
Weight gain/ difficulty losing weight
Puffy face
Hoarseness
Muscle weakness
Elevated blood cholesterol level
Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
Heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods
Thinning hair
Slowed heart rate
Depression
Impaired memory
Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
insomnia/sleep apnea (How many hours of sleep do you need daily?)
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