Sleeping problem, cause of mental disfunction?

[Zodiacbrave]

Hello,

I have this friend who has a very difficult time falling asleep. Her family doctor believes that she has a form of Circadian rhythm sleep disorder.  Specifically, the delayed sleep phase syndrome. He prescribed Ramelteon to help her fall asleep at night. So far, the sleeping pill seems to work but in a subtle way. If she does not prep herself for sleep, sleep will not come. It has gotten so bad that she cannot remember the last time she slept and felt rested.

There is a bit more to it then just a sleeping problem. I am not sure if this is related to it but she has laps of time where she can't remember specifically what she did. For example, she might be watching a TV show and hours later she can recall watching the show but no specific details of the show itself. If she doesn't act on something immediately as it enters her mind then she will most likely forget about it. Completing simple goals is difficult because she lacks focus to complete them. It is as if she lost the ability to plan her time and is living from moment to moment.  It is more then just being scatterbrained, it is like her brain lost track of the world around her.  

In the past, she has been diagnosed and prescribed with medicine for ADD (I am not sure what exact medicine). At first, there was a huge difference in her mental performance, she described it as feeling normal. Over the years this effect has lessened and today the medicine is the only thing keeping her functional.

Can anyone please give me some advice as to what might be wrong here? I am lost and really need help.

Thank you.

[Mezmoreyes]

Work your AZZ OFF! Drink a Ton a water, Get a goo message, and learn to fully relax. Do this after a Hot bath or shower that will turn cooler. let it cool !   GL

[Gregg D Jacobs, Ph.D.]

Your frined needs to be evaluated medically and the more primary problem is not sleep but her mental functioning.

Dr. Jacobs