My father aged 80 years is having issue of continuous sleepiness. He Has to be waken up for medicine and food and he sleeps immediately thereafter. He is drowsy and sleepy all the time. No neurological issue appears in MRI Brain. Sodium levels is 126. Hb is around 11. Cardiologist has prescribed diuretic and tablet natrise for sodium. Neurologist advised review by a pulmonologist and sleep study to be done. Pls advise.
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Thank you for this detailed information. Based on what you've shared, your 80-year-old father is experiencing **continuous drowsiness and sleepiness** with:
* **Low sodium (Hyponatremia)** â 126 (very likely contributing to drowsiness)
* **Normal MRI Brain**
* **Hemoglobin 11**
* **Diuretic and Natrise prescribed**
* **Neurologist advised pulmonary review and sleep study**
---
## â ï¸ First Important Note (from medical perspective)
Hyponatremia at **126 mEq/L** is **significantly low** and can itself cause:
* Extreme sleepiness/drowsiness
* Confusion or altered mental status
* Muscle weakness
* Fatigue or falls
ð¡ **Natrise (Tolvaptan)** is used to correct sodium â continue as per your cardiologist's advice. The **use of diuretics** can worsen sodium loss, so careful monitoring is required.
Now letâs move to Ayurvedic support.
---
## ð§ Ayurveda View: Excessive Sleepiness in Elderly
In Ayurveda, this condition can be seen as a mix of:
* **Kapha vriddhi** (excess Kapha â heaviness, drowsiness)
* **Vata kshaya & Ojas kshaya** (weakness of energy and vitality)
* Possibly **Manda agni** (low digestive fire)
So treatment is aimed at:
* **Restoring sodium and energy**
* **Stimulating weak agni (digestive power)**
* **Improving alertness gently**
* **Supporting underlying organs (heart, brain, lungs)**
---
## â AYURVEDIC SUPPORT PLAN
### 1. **Herbal Medicines**
(Use only under supervision, especially with cardiac meds and low sodium)
| Medicine | Dose | Use |
| --------------------------------------------- | ------------------ | ---------------------------------------------- |
| *****Rasayan or ***Lehyam** | 1 tsp twice a day | Builds Ojas, supports alertness |
| ********Ras** | 1 tab morning only | Supports nervous system and clarity |
| ******Vati (Gold optional)** | 1 tab at bedtime | Improves mental clarity, prevents excess sleep |
| ******Ras** (optional) | 1 tab morning | If thereâs burping/gas/sluggish digestion |
> Avoid strong sedative herbs like jatamansi or tagara in this case.
---
### 2. **Sodium-boosting Natural Add-ons**
> These are supportive, **not substitutes** for Natrise.
* **Lemon + rock salt water** (1 pinch rock salt in 100 ml warm water in morning)
* **Tender coconut water** (¼ to ½ glass daily if BP and potassium are normal)
* **Buttermilk with pinch of ginger and black salt** (mid-day)
---
### 3. **Ayurvedic Nasya (Nasal drops) â Optional**
Once or twice a week, under guidance:
* Use *****Taila** â 2 drops in each nostril in the morning
* Helps clear mental fog, awaken prana, support oxygenation (linked to pulmonary health)
---
### 4. **Diet Tips**
* Warm, nourishing, slightly spicy diet to balance Kapha
* Avoid dairy-heavy, cold, oily, or stale foods
* Small meals to support digestion
---
### 5. **Daily Routine**
* Gentle stimulation (exposure to morning sun)
* Oil massage of soles and back with ******oil** (light pressure) 2â3 times a week
* Avoid long naps during the day â just allow passive resting
---
## ð« Caution
* No heavy detox (like Panchakarma or Virechana) at this age unless under very close supervision
* Monitor for sodium correction **very closely**
* If any confusion or worsening occurs â recheck sodium immediately
---
## ð Further Evaluation Needed
If sodium is corrected and drowsiness persists, then **sleep apnea or COâ retention** (suggested by neurologist) must be ruled out â these are **serious and reversible** conditions in elderly.
---
### ð Summary Ayurvedic Rx (for discussion with Ayurvedic doctor)
* *****Rasayan** â 1 tsp twice daily
* ******Sagar Ras** â 1 tab morning
* ******Vati** â 1 tab at bedtime
* ******Taila nasya** â 2 drops twice a week
* Warm lemon water with rock salt â daily
---
Would you like help:
* Choosing a brand/formulation available near you?
* Creating a printable herbal chart with timings and diet?
Let me know â Iâm here to help you support your father fully and safely.
Advice- Consult us for details...
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book consultation with us for more details.
Health Tips
kindly follow the advice.
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Hi, you have not mentioned his weight , and general health , if he is over weight , at this age , as they cannot do much work , will go into sleep
If his vitamins - vitamin D and B12 are very low they may have this problem
As you mentioned his electrolytes ,food intake should be watched
If he is suffering from any anxiety or depression he might going into sleep
Consult pulmonologist and ayurvedic doctor for changing his sleep patterns and mental alertness
In Ayurveda, this condition may resemble:
• Tandra / Alasyata (excessive sleepiness / drowsiness)
• Associated with Kapha aggravation and Vata depletion (common in elderly)
• Also a sign of Dehagni Mandya (low metabolic and nervous system activity)
• Hyponatremia reflects possible Jala (fluid) dhatu imbalance
All medications being taken to be evaluated, if it is low sodium than fluid intake should be lowered. Other causes to be evaluated before treatment i.e. MRI brain , urine electrolytes routine microscopic
Plz post recent investigation report.
The shared Na+ is low this may be one of cause of confusion n sleepy...
Hopefully u follow ur dr else don't self medicate consult his dr.
Dr may hold on his diauritics which may be one of cause of hyponatremia
Namaste. Excessive drowsiness in the elderly with low sodium (126) can be due to hyponatremia, which affects brain function and alertness. Since MRI is normal, it's wise to follow the neurologist's adviceârule out sleep apnea or respiratory issues with a pulmonologist and sleep study. Ayurvedic support can also help improve metabolic balance and mental alertness once acute causes are managed. Please consult in person for a safe integrative plan.
The patient’s sleepiness seems to be due to low sodium, age-related weakness, and possibly poor sleep quality. With proper care from Ayurvedic sides, improvement is possible. This is due to Kapha–Vata imbalance and weak digestion along with low sodium (hyponatremia) which causes drowsiness and fatigue.
Next Steps
• Continue Natrise and diuretic as per the cardiologist’s advice
• Check sodium level every week
• Do a sleep study
Health Tips
• Avoid curd, banana, cold drinks, fried or heavy food which can aggravate symptoms more
2 drops of Anu Taila in each nostril daily in the morning and spitting out the oil when it comes into throat from nostrils
This is hyponatremia(low sodium level) &anemia.
Addressing the root cause of this condition.
Heart failure, kidney failure or use of diuretics, may cause hyponatremia.
I think diuretic is not good for him.
Next Steps
lower his water consumption. means, stay hydrated. over fluid intake may worsen the condition.
Add more vegetables and fruits.
Add vitaminC from citrus, & melons.
Add dairy products to his diet.
IV sodium solution may helps to raise the level.
consult a physician near you pls
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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