A Sleepy Start and the Mystery of Low Blood Pressure

Written February 11, 2025

Hello Dear Readers,

Ever had one of those mornings where getting out of bed feels like trying to wade through wet cement? That was me today. Despite granting myself the rare luxury of an extra hour under the covers, I still woke up feeling like a sluggish, unmotivated lump of humanity.

Now, I could blame myself, but why do that when the weather makes such a convenient scapegoat? It’s been raining relentlessly, and the sky has been in a persistent state of gloom, with heavy clouds and rain making their best impression of a dreary 19th-century British novel. I’ve always underestimated just how much of a difference morning sunlight makes. That golden glow flicks a switch in your brain, signaling that it’s time to rise and shine. Without it, my internal wake-up mechanism malfunctions like a cheap alarm clock on its last legs.

My wife, who deals with chronically low blood pressure, often mentions feeling similarly on dreary mornings. She says that when I’m dragging myself around in a sleep-deprived fog, she’s likely experiencing an actual dip in blood pressure and heart rate. And she doesn’t just brush it off—her concern is real, especially since she lost an uncle to complications from low blood pressure.

Curious (and mildly paranoid), I checked my trusty health-tracking app. The report was… intriguing. In theory, I had gotten enough sleep, but several mid-sleep wake-ups likely disrupted my rest cycle. More importantly, my blood pressure had dipped just below 100/70—not alarmingly low, but lower than my usual. I made a mental note to bring this up with my doctor at my next visit. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that small changes can sometimes signal bigger trends, so I’ll be keeping an eye on my morning numbers for the next few days.

This whole situation has made me appreciate the wonders of modern technology. Until recently, I had never tracked my biometrics so closely. Now, my smartwatch diligently logs my heart rate and blood pressure around the clock, offering a wealth of data I would have never otherwise noticed. My doctor, of course, loves this—having a continuous log makes it much easier to spot patterns and assess whether any adjustments to medication or diet are necessary.

What’s fascinating is how “normal” numbers don’t always mean all is well. Sometimes, a sudden spike or drop in heart rate or blood pressure can be more telling than any routine lab work. Even dehydration can skew results, making a person feel completely off, even if everything appears fine on paper.

But, good news! After some much-needed movement and a bit of exercise, I’m finally feeling human again. The grogginess has lifted, and I’m back to my usual self—well, almost. If only I could persuade the sun to make a guest appearance, this day would be off to a truly perfect start. 

Until then, I’ll just keep an eye on the numbers, sip some water, and pretend that coffee counts as a healthy drink.

Winter in Nashville and My New Health Monitoring Ring

Written December 3, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Nashville is so cold. Last night, we were cursed with a light dusting of snow. Now, I am confident that winter has come to Nashville. While it hasn’t been quite cold enough for long enough for the ground to keep much snow, it certainly has been cold enough the past two days.  Tomorrow’s forecasted temperature is much warmer than today’s, making tomorrow’s run more pleasant. Luckily, I don’t expect the snow to complicate my intended run tomorrow, but I’ll have to make that final judgment immediately before my run.

Today, I am trying out my new health/fitness monitoring device. It arrived yesterday, and I spent some time today charging and configuring it to suit my needs. After I got a brain stroke and broke my kidneys, my nephrologist told me to monitor my blood pressure. I am taking medications to control my blood pressure, so my doctor needs to know how well I am doing. 

Initially, we used the old-style blood pressure machine several times daily and logged the results in a notebook. Several years ago, my wife suggested using a watch. I started running. My wife had used a Fitbit for over a decade. Unfortunately, her FitBit did not track her blood pressure, so I purchased a watch that could do it. Whenever I get a new watch to replace the old one, my doctor checks how accurately the blood pressure is measured. The watch is entirely accurate. However, my last watch started failing to track my steps. This time, I wanted to try a ring. 

It is a ring to track my vitals, just like the watch. Instead of a watch, this one is a ring and promises a much more robust battery. So far, I like it better than my watch, although it doesn’t have a display. Since I rarely have my phone, that’s not much of an issue, and I can still wear my watch using it as a basic watch. 

I also suggested my wife get a ring, but she still has a Fitbit. She likes to see the time. One thing she wants to do is be on her phone only some of the time. She says a smartphone is a kind of destruction for her. 

So far, I am happy with the ring.

A Delicate Balance of Health and Habit – Staying Hydrated

Written July 6, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

I’ve meticulously monitored my water intake to ensure my kidneys function more efficiently. I’ve integrated this routine into my daily schedule using my smartphone, as waiting until I feel thirsty usually indicates that I’m already too dehydrated.

Occasionally, my busy schedule leads me to miss these drinking reminders. Just last night, I was behind on my water quota, necessitating a late-evening rush to meet my goals. The result was less than ideal, as I had to wake up several times throughout the night to use the bathroom.

On one hand, it’s reassuring to know that my kidneys are functioning well enough to produce urine actively. I take some comfort in achieving my hydration goals, yet the disruption to my sleep is a trade-off I’m keen to avoid. It would be beneficial to complete my water intake earlier in the evening to minimize nighttime interruptions.

Managing my daily essentials—eating, drinking, exercising, working, and sleeping—sometimes feels overwhelming. Each element is crucial to my health, and maintaining a disciplined schedule seems to be the key to staying on track.

By closely monitoring my progress throughout the day, I aim to consistently meet or exceed my modest goal of 2 liters of water well before it’s time to wind down for bed. This proactive approach helps me stay hydrated and enhances my overall well-being by allowing for uninterrupted rest.