THE DOC REPLIES

EVERY night when I’m settling relatively uncommon but can down in bed to sleep, I often be serious and early jerk and wake up. Is this symptoms can include common and can it be headache, tiredness and stopped? weakness, nausea, sweating

Hypnagogic jerks, and intense thirst. involuntary twitches or movement just as you are CAN a bout of sneezing be falling asleep – often causing caused by food? I am often you to wake – can be troubled by uncontrollable fits worsened by anxiety, of sneezing after eating. caffeine, stress and strenuous Could it be an allergy, or is it physical activity in the something else? evening. However, these jerks There is a condition in which are essentially random and the nose can run and occur frequently in people sneezing can occur with or with no health complaints or after food. However, it’s not potential causes. If you are always possible to identify a noticing a problem with one specific allergy in a food of the possible causes then it group causing this. Sneezing is may be worth addressing a reflex of the body and these to see if it improves, occurs when the nerves otherwise this is likely just your attached to the nose brain misinterpreting the lining are stimulated. muscle relaxation associated This can happen with the onset of sleep and specifically with causing a primitive reflex to certain food groups occur. Primates developed such as spicy food. this reflex to stop us falling This condition is when sleeping in a tree. generally known as

prandial rhinitis or ANY time I sit out in the sun I post-prandial rhinitis suffer blinding headaches. Is with the former during this common? I’m due to go eating and the latter just after. on a sunshine break soon and If this is allergy-based it am worried I’ll be miserable. maybe helped by

It’s possible to suffer antihistamines although, if it is headaches from sun a bodily reflex rather than I BLEACH my hair regularly. Is exposure. This often is a allergy, they might not be of it likely to cause long-term symptom associated with benefit. damage to my scalp? sunstroke, which can be Recurrent bleaching of your helped by making sure you WHAT’S the best treatment for hair is more likely to cause stay hydrated. These conjunctivitis? damage to the hair itself headaches can often occur Conjunctivitis can be either rather than the scalp. If you due to the glare annoying viral, allergic or bacterial. are going to have a problem your eyes. Sunglasses will help. Depending on the cause, the with the scalp it is more likely Also sitting in a shaded area best treatment differs. Viral that you will have a reaction and ensuring you do not and allergic conjunctivitis is at the time of bleaching – overheat is extremely often self-limiting and will either due to the chemical important. Heat stroke is settle of its own accord. itself or the heating process.

Unfortunately The Doc can’t directly reply to individual letters. When in doubt speak to your GP.