can a lack of sleep and food cause paranoia? (not sur eif in right place)

shadow-light · 13-01-2011, 01:54 AM

really wasn't sure where to put this... ended up being a toss up between here and the first aid forum...

but anyway, can sleep deprevation and not eating enough cause paranoia? Actually not sure if paranoia is the right word... There are some things that I'm semi convinced are going on, but my partner pointed out are unlikely and he theoried that my lack of sleeping and eating could be causing the thoughts... is that likely?

whirlpools · 13-01-2011, 01:54 AM

yes, both can affect the brain. i am dealing with this too.

shadow-light · 13-01-2011, 02:36 AM

I see... can it cause sort of mild halusinations too? as in ones where you know that they are not real (or ou only think they are real for a few minuets) but they are still there? Or things out of the corner of your eye that aren't there when you look at wher they wre?

Also, how can I know if the "paranoia" is being caused by this or if it's actually real?

Also, sorry that you are dealing with it too :(

Breadsticks · 13-01-2011, 10:06 PM

I found this website, it might help.

http://www.sleepdex.org/deficit.htm

I hope you manage to get your sleep sorted.

Merc · 13-01-2011, 10:29 PM

In short? Yes, it can cause all of that.
As to how to tell if it is real, keep talking to Jack. He can help you to look 'logically' at things.
Can Jack stay with you for a few days to help you get it sorted?

shadow-light · 13-01-2011, 10:38 PM

I guess the only way to fix it would be to sleep and eat more then? Could be an issue at the moment... I do try to leep, I just seemingly can't... As soon as I try I get anxious and when anxious/paniced it's very hard to sleep... the "whispering" I keep hearing outside my door doesn't help with the anxiety either

at the end of next week we are moving back in together, so maybe it will get a bit easier then...

The amount I've been drinking over the last few weeks (well months really I guess but wasn't having these issues months ago) probably hasn't been helping either thinking about it

but trying to stop that now (giving up drink - never a fun time) as I want to no longer be drinking when Jack and I move back in together.

Ok I'm going to try to keep reminding myself that these fears and things aren't true

Thanks for all the replies

roiben · 14-01-2011, 02:29 PM

Yes, as others have said, sleep deprivation can cause the symptoms you are describing, inclusive of hallucinations and distorted thinking/paranoia.

Low blood sugar can also affect your vision and may cause hallucinations and loss of memory or focus.

It may be worth mentioning to a Dr that you are not sleeping, to see if there is anything they can suggest (a hypnotic, sleep med or change in meds to help with the anxiety perhaps).

Do try to eat and keep your blood sugars up. Even if just little and often, grazing to keep a constant blood sugar level if you can not manage whole meals - Your body needs the carbs, sugar and energy it gets from food.

Be gentle with yourself.
Roiben x

shadow-light · 14-01-2011, 06:24 PM

doctors refuse to give me sleeping teblets on the basis that I get addicted to thinks fairly easily (got a history of alcohol abuse amongst other things), I have some herbal things though as my sleeping has never been great - just recently sleeping has gotten worse...

I saw a doctor this morning about a few things and they are going to try to get me an appointment with a psychiatrist within the next few weeks to discuss medications and things