He’s either sleepy or bored stiff

Dear Dr. Gott: My 82-year-old husband sleeps all the time. He will get up for breakfast, but sleep in his chair until lunch and then again until dinner. Blood tests are normal, but something can’t be. Do you have any suggestions?

Dear Reader: For a variety of reasons, elderly people may not sleep soundly during the night. Consequently, like babies, they may have to catch up on their sleep during the day.

In my opinion, your husband should see a neurologist to make sure that a nerve disorder, such as mild dementia, is not causing his abnormal sleep pattern.

Also, you should investigate the possibility that he is just plain bored – and is sleeping literally to pass the time away.

To test this hypothesis (while you’re waiting for the neurologist’s appointment), try to stimulate him more during the day. Go for walks. Take him shopping at the mall. Get him interested in a hobby or other creative activity. Take him on a vacation – anything to get him out of his favorite chair after meals.

Remember, too, that all of us tend to become sleepy after a big meal, so try cutting back on his portions, especially if he’s overweight.

Dear Dr. Gott: My nephew has been diagnosed with porphyria. What is it?

Dear Reader: Porphyria is an inherited defect in certain of the body’s enzymes, causing either extreme sensitivity to light or nerve damage.

In the first instance, sun-damaged skin is paramount, whereas in the second, more serious symptoms appear. These include periodic attacks of abdominal pain, disordered digestion, paralysis, hypertension, respiratory failure and others.

In most cases, porphyria is diagnosed by a special analysis of the urine; blood testing may be necessary.

The treatment includes avoidance of alcohol and other drugs that may worsen symptoms, prompt therapy for infections, transfusions, surgery to remove the spleen, and other techniques.

Although patients with this disorder cannot be cured, much can be done to prevent attacks and relieve symptoms. Patients with porphyria should be under the care of gastroenterologists or hematologists.

Dear Dr. Gott: I’m a 22-year-old female. In the past year, I’ve noticed a weight gain, stretch marks on my bottom and cellulite on my upper thighs. There’s a new cream on the market that is supposed to get rid of cellulite. Do you think it really works, or is it a gimmick that sounds too good to be true? Please rush your answer. I’m getting heavy.

Dear Reader: Creams that are purported to reduce fat (“cellulite”) are a gimmick. You’d do better to follow a sensible, weight-reduction diet, such as no flour, no sugar.

Oh, and get more exercise, too.