Sleep and Quality of Life Assessment for Keith Torkelson December 2024 by Keith Torkelson MS

 Sleep and Quality of Life Assessment for Keith Torkelson December 2024 by Keith Torkelson MS

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Summary

This paper considers the effect of sleep on Quality of Life (QOL).  The data here is for the consumer Keith “Buster” Torkelson MS.  Since June 20, 2024 Buster has improved across nineteen (19) areas or elements of his life.  On Saturday November 16 Buster scored 67% on his Sleep Improvement Behavior Assessment where high scores are favorable (HSF).  On Friday November 22 Buster Scored 59.8% on his Sleep Effects QOL Assessment where HSF.  The index he put together for measuring the latter includes 12 assessments with a total of 84 Items.

Sleep / QOL Assessment Transformations – Complete

Source >

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

Beyond a reasonable doubt sleep and the lack of sleep substantially impacts ones health.  The majority of our hospitalizations involve issues with sleep, rest and finding peace on a daily basis.  Intentional sleep deprivation over the course of years set us up with prodromal behavioral health issues.  Now we have an Intractable Sleep Disorder (ISD).  In other words we require medication to Sleep.  During most of November 2024 we had no shared roommate.  Our Sleep Value Scores (SVS) average more than 9.8 out of 10.0 (Higher scores are favorble).

 Coping Tools

This report was started January 21^st, 2023.  At this time we would have been renting a shared room (RASR) with Theodore “Ted” Francis.  We used the following coping tools and more to deal with his Sleep Apnea: Earplugs, low hum of the air filter system, fan with a medium hum, medication, and open the windows so we can hear soothing street noises and dogs barking.  Our SVSs with Ted were rather poor much of the time.  He would wake us up during the night.

Sleep Medication

During most of 2023 (actually since 2012) we relied on Clozapine to augment our sleep hygiene.  Clozapine a Psychotropic drug has drowsiness as a side effect.  For us this drowiness translates into Sleep.  Our psychiatric condition worsened this year (2024) so it take more to put and keep us asleep.  As Dr. Arnold P Deutsch (Circa 1989) would put it our Sleep “cocktail” is now Lorazepam, Ambien, and Clozapine.

Legacy Presenting Problem

I have not lived with Ted since March 2024.  Our RASR Roommate Ted made loud breathing noises that included choking (Sleep Apnea) and snoring at night.  He had been treated for Sleep Apnea in the past yet did not like the CPAC device.  Our impression at time is that: He may being doing some of the snoring intentially.  Incidentally Ted is dead now – he Died Too Young (DTY).  He was found dead in his bed by the landlord.  Like others I kept telling him he needed help.

Current Presenting Problem(s)

My current RASR roommate just died last Saturday night December 7, 2024.  After being a month without him we are sleeping very well.  Now we face harmonizing with a new person.

Table – Sampling of Improvements Since June 20^th, 2024

Consumer Keith Torkelson

Last Reviewed: 20241211-W: D = Domain

Sleep and QOL

Sleep quality and duration are significantly associated with quality of life (QoL).

Sleep Quality

Poor sleep quality is linked to impaired QoL, especially for people with anxiety or depression.

Sleep Duration

Getting enough sleep is important for overall health and QoL, while sleeping too much can also have a negative impact.

Sleep Disturbances

Sleep disturbances can reduce QoL and negatively impact health outcomes. For example, sleep disruption can cause chronic distress in people with chronic diseases.

Table – For Consumer Keith Torkelson - Here are some tips for improving your sleep:

Notes: Now December 7, 2024, let it be known that presently I get great quality sleep.  I’m stable on Lorazepam, Ambien and Clozapine at night.  Since June 20, 2024 I’ve had good quality sleep except for a few nights.  Since my roommate went in the hospital I’ve been sleeping alone in our room (RASR).  It can be rather challenging Sleeping in a room with another disabled person.

Last Reviewed: 20241210-TU:

Artificial Intelligence

The list above was generated by Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI)

This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. Generative AI is experimental.

Stress Management

If you're having trouble sleeping, you can consult your health care provider. They can help you determine if you need more testing or teach you new ways to manage stress.

Associated with >

Reco_Stress_13082801_Scaling_Adults V2024

We have looked at a few ways to measure stress.  For the purpose of this report we select the Life Change Unit (LCUs) method.  We have a rather high total level of life change units for 2024.  Over the past month our stress as measured by Anxiety and Fatigue has diminished.  Our response to the same situation has changed.  We are adjusting to our new situation here at Harvest Retirement.

PTSD

While living at “Gloria’s” Shank’s Guest Home a Room and Board in Santa Ana I suffered Traumatic Stress Disorder.  I could just never arrest the stressors enough to get to Post TSD.  I have outlined what it was like sleeping in the same room with Ted.  During the day things were not quite good also.  Ted was a bully.  He was jealous of the life I had pieced together.  I tried to include him yet he just never caught on.  In early 2024 several things put me in the hospital yet the majority of them was living (RASR) with Ted.  Ted would not follow my recommendations to be honest and get the help he needed.  I found out last month (November) that Ted died in his bed. 

Leisure

In January of 2024 I was transported by ambulance to Aliso Ridge Behavioral Health.  My short stay there was anything but traumatic.  I like that place.  In a way I would like to go there again especially for the cafeteria.  In March 2024 I was transported by ambulance to Global Medical Santa Ana psych ward.  It was a bit traumatic in that they provided inadequate sleep medication.  Without sleep I went a bit batty.  In April 2024 I was transported directly to Leisure Circle Skilled Nursing to await approval of my Assisted Living Waiver.  At Leisure there were several gaps in my medications.  These days and nights without medication were traumatic.  Here at Harvest living with James has proven stressful.  Ruben “James” Duron went in the hospital November 7, 2024.  Without him here the stress in waning.  I hope with my new roommate (RASR) I can keep reducing the stress.  James died the night of December 7, 2024.  The way I see it with so many conditions: James Died of Life.

 Source >

Figure – From Life Measures for Sleep Disorders

Illness

We were diagnosed as a teenager with bi-polar disorder by Dr. DeSilva.  We began treatment for bi-polar disorder back in 1989.  Currently (2024) our diagnosis with Dr. Bera is Bi-polar I.  We still believe our diagnoses are Anxiety Spectrum Disorders complicated with Depression and a intractible Sleep Disorder.  We score higher on the Anxiety test than the Mania test.  With the current (December 2024) treatment plan our Anxiety is improving.  Unfortunately if not matched with a great roommate our Anxiety may return.

Impairment

Our impairment back in 1989 was we could’nt stay in school full time.  We came home to live with our parents, got a full time job as a clinical lab associate, had good nutrition and great sleep.  Demonstrating Resilience we returned to school.  In 1990 we started our freshmen year at UC Davis in Veterinary School.  Once again Sleep or the lack of put us in the hospital. 

Disability

What is disability? A disability is any condition of the body or mind (impairment) that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities (activity limitation) and interact with the world around them (participation restrictions).

Deterioration of Health Status

…to become impaired in quality, functioning, or condition : degenerate. her health deteriorated.

Handicap

…an illness, injury, or condition that makes it difficult for someone to do some things that other people do, and that is usually permanent or lasts for a long time. This word is now considered offensive by many people, who prefer the word disability.

Environmental Restrictions

Environmental restrictions in mental health are practices that limit a person's access to items, activities, or experiences to manage a risk or behavior. These restrictions can include: Physical barriers, such as locks or padlocks & Enforceable limits or boundaries that go beyond normal community practices.

Medication

In 1989 we were told we would be on medication for the rest of our life.  In addition, the two doctors on the case (Graman and Dean) said we would never get better.  In a manner they were correct.  The best we could do was put together five years (1998-2003) of high functioning.  Aside:  Across about 60 units completed our Orange County GPA is 4.0.  The school’s were: Orange Coast, Saddleback, Cal State University Fullerton, Santa Ana and Cypress.   

Reduced QOL

Reduced quality of life (QoL) is when a person's overall well-being and happiness is diminished. This can be caused by a number of factors, including:

Physical or mental health issues, Social isolation, Financial difficulties, Catastrophic injuries, Life events, Dependency, and Comorbidity.

Balance

Some examples of how reduced QoL can impact a person's life include: Difficulty enjoying hobbies, Difficulty working, Difficulty participating in social activities, and Needing to find a new balance in life.

Some things that can help improve QoL include:

Practicing gratitude
Meditating
Getting enough sleep
Having access to good healthcare
Having loving relationships
Having meaningful work or volunteerism
Having leisure time for hobbies
Eating healthy food
Being able to exercise in an enjoyable way

Generative AI is experimental.

Table - Result - Sleep Profile for Consumer Keith “Buster” Torkelson

Quality of Life and Sleep

High scores are favorable

Sleep

Fluctuations

For Fluctuation means changing in general.  Fluctuation might be defined as “an irregular rising and falling in number or amount; a variation.”

Tolerance

For us Tolerance means putting up with something that is not going to change.  Tolerance might be defined as “the capacity to endure continued subjection to something, especially a drug, transplant, antigen, or environmental conditions, without adverse reaction”.

Patience

For us Patience means putting up with something that is likely to change.  Patience might be defined as “the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset”.

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Page 42 (4) Can't Sleep? Issues of Being an Insomniac

A-General Scales Domains - A-1.Health Profiles

Table - SF-36

36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36)

Consumer = Keith “Buster” Torkelson MS

HSF = High Scores are Favorable

36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36)

The SF-36 is composed of 8 multi-item scales (35 items) assessing physical function (10 items), role limitations due to physical health problems (4 items), bodily pain (2 items), general health (5 items), vitality (4 items), social functioning (2 items), role limitations due to emotional problems (3 items) and emotional well-being (5 items)

Psychological Distress

Psychological distress (PD) is a state of emotional suffering that can include symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other somatic symptoms. It can be caused by stressors that a person is unable to cope with, such as traumatic experiences, major life events, or everyday stressors.

Psychological Well-being

Psychological well-being (PWB) is a person's overall mental and emotional health, as well as how well they function in their life. It's a core component of mental health, and is characterized by a balance of positive feelings and the ability to cope with negative ones.

Health Perception

Health perception is a person's subjective assessment of their overall health, and can be influenced by many factors:

Table - WHOQOL–BREF

Consumer = Keith “Buster” Torkelson MS

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A.2.Efficacy Measurements

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B-Specific Scales

B.1. Specific Quality Of

Life Measures for Sleep Disorders

Excerpt FROM SOFAS

Appendix - Aside – Social Functioning & Getting Involved

Buena Park Seniors

https://www.buenapark.com/city_departments/community_services/seniors___adults_50_plus/paid_classes___activities.php

6650 Beach Blvd. Buena Park, CA 90621

714-562-3500

SENIOR DANCE Saturdays listed below:

First Saturday of the Month

Saturdays listed below:

October 5th

November 2nd

6:00- 9:00 PM || $6 / Person

Venue: Legacy Hall

Register at the Front Desk or Online

Bring your sweetheart or come solo.

There are lots of people to meet.

Light refreshments are provided.

 

 Appendix - Aside - Seniors & Adults 50+

Buena Park Seniors

https://www.buenapark.com/city_departments/community_services/seniors___adults_50_plus/index.php

We are Located at 8150 Knott Avenue, Buena Park, CA 90620.

For more information, please contact

(714) 236-3870 or

Email at seniors@buenapark.com

Home Delivered Meals

Meals on Wheels of Buena Park (a local non-profit) will deliver meals to your home Monday through Friday for a nominal fee if you are home bound and unable to prepare your own meals.

Volunteer drivers are always needed for this program.

For more information on this great program, please call (714) 995-5826.

Senior Café (Nutrition Program)

The Meals on Wheels OC Lunch Café is more than just a meal.

It gives seniors the opportunity to enjoy a hot, well-balanced, nutritious meal in the company of other seniors.

Lunch check in takes place Monday - Thursday from 11:15 am.

No RSVP required. It is first come-first served.

The spots are limited so we recommend coming in a little early to check in.

There is a suggested donation of $3.00 for the meals.