Blood test results/getting more & better sleep

[castufari]

I had a 12hr fasting last week. Results came in today. Most I have no idea WTF they mean so I'll google 'em later. Anyway:
Tris - 174
Total cholesterol - 217
HDL - 45
LDL - 137

My doc wants me to exercise more (I workout 3 days/wk for 30 to 45 min, and try to do cardio 2 days for 30+ min). He suggested taking fish oil 2x/day and to watch my sat fats. I do eat a lot of eggs, I guess I need to quit eating the yolks (I love yolks more than the whites).

I went to CVS and bought some fish oil capsules, 360 1200mg for 11.99 (on sale). Took one right before dinner and spent the next hour belching. The positive side is that my cat now is paying attention to me. Tossed them into the fridge since it's still hot up here.

Anyway, any tips on dropping my cholesterol? I'm going to bite the bullet and start eating oatmeal again. The problem is that oatmeal does nothing for me - I eat it then I'm starving an hour later.

Cleaned the cupboards out today of the junk food, what I could toss I put on a special shelf.

Another thing...anyone got any tips for getting better sleep? I've been working a ton of hours and work has been very stressful. I try not to think about it but it's been such a cluster f*ck lately. One of my offices (I have 17 places) is moving and their management is more concerned about how the floors and walls will look over the functionality (like the place is too small for the staff and the infrastructure won't support their network/phone needs). I try to hit the sheets early but I'll sleep a couple of hours, wake up, stare at the ceiling for a while, drift off...then before the alarm goes off or the sun rises I'll finally get into a good sleep.

Stats...44, 6', 205. I was 205 in the spring but wore a 36" pant, now I'm in a 34" so I must be doing something ok.

[LisaS]

you might like to read the blog from the heartscan guy of Track your Plaque fame -

[Hunter]

Originally Posted by castufari

I try to hit the sheets early but I'll sleep a couple of hours, wake up, stare at the ceiling for a while, drift off...then before the alarm goes off or the sun rises I'll finally get into a good sleep.

If you have time to get 8 hours, and you're not afraid of taking drugs, my wife tells me Ambien is incredible. Haven't tried it yet myself - the 5am alarm for the morning workout is all I need to fall asleep (and stay asleep) at night.

[castufari]

I started on fish oil the other day, so far so good I guess. I don't feel any different though those things no longer bother me (I take them after I eat, no more belching).

Took some Lunesta the other night, that helped. Took it last night and it did nothing though I slept fairly hard, that was until my cold kicked in and I started coughing and stuff. :P

[Aoife]

Originally Posted by castufari

Another thing...anyone got any tips for getting better sleep? I've been working a ton of hours and work has been very stressful. I try not to think about it but it's been such a cluster f*ck lately. One of my offices (I have 17 places) is moving and their management is more concerned about how the floors and walls will look over the functionality (like the place is too small for the staff and the infrastructure won't support their network/phone needs). I try to hit the sheets early but I'll sleep a couple of hours, wake up, stare at the ceiling for a while, drift off...then before the alarm goes off or the sun rises I'll finally get into a good sleep.

I've been having the same problem of late, and it's been hell. Been trying Lunestra (or whatever it is, not the ambien) and it has helped somewhat, but mostly it makes it better when I do sleep, but I still wake up a lot later in the night/morning.

Try reading Good Night. Otto says it's helping him a lot. There's things to do and a 28 day plan for getting better sleep. Things most people don't think about, like cleaning your bedroom (the clutter is more disturbing than people realize) and stuff like that.

Hope your cold goes away soon, being sick sucks.

[SpacecityPaula]

Originally Posted by Aoife

Try reading Good Night. Otto says it's helping him a lot. There's things to do and a 28 day plan for getting better sleep. Things most people don't think about, like cleaning your bedroom (the clutter is more disturbing than people realize) and stuff like that.

Hope your cold goes away soon, being sick sucks.

I'll agree with the cleaning the bedroom part. I sleep much better when everything is picked up and put away. (Clutter in general can produce anxiety as well which is why I'm working on reducing mine again).

I also try to make sure I don't have any other appliances than my clock running when I go to sleep. I turn off the computer and I don't have a TV in my bedroom at all.

[Aiken Steve]

I'm not a Doctor, but I am surprised that he didn't put you on a statin, especially since you are already working out a fair amount and your HDL is still pretty low.

[drs]

Plant stanols may be helpful in addition to oatmeal. Plant stanols are now added to Minute Maid Heart Wise Orange Juice and Benechol spread and I thgought there was a new yogurt-like drink also. Red rice yeast is a herbal remedy that acts like a statin.

Mild sleep problems can be helped with Melatonin. Eliminate all caffiene after noon.

[fkl118]

Originally Posted by Aiken Steve

I'm not a Doctor, but I am surprised that he didn't put you on a statin, especially since you are already working out a fair amount and your HDL is still pretty low.

Statins generally don't increase HDL. Besides, the HDL level is pretty good. The LDL is a little high but best treated initially with weight loss and diet ie. low sat fats, more soluble fibre, and omega-3 acids (fish oil).