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[word_nerd]

Definitely see a doctor. And thin people can have sleep apnea.

I have scheduled an appointment at student health; apparently they're very busy right now, so I can't get in with a non-urgent matter for a couple of weeks.

Are you a young person? If so, this might improve over time.

Hm.  I am in my late 20s, so I doubt this has much to do with it (although, I guess it was worse when I was younger, but it hasn't improved enough with age that I would imagine this is it).

Hopefully, the doctor will be able to prescribe me some sort of supplement or medication to help with it.  I'll keep y'all posted.

[vardahilwen]

I've heard that mint can be a stimulant - perhaps try eating mints or chewing mint gum.  I also agree that standing up when you feel yourself getting ready to nod off might help.  You could explain to your prof that you are struggling with this problem, are seeking solutions, but in the meantime, standing occasionally might help.  You might also consider sharing this with a classmate, and ask them to give you a "poke" if they see you looking drowsy.

[chaka]

Do you have to attend those classes?
I know what you talk about - just get up later might be a solution, except like once a week when the course is really important.....otherwise, I do not think anything will really help....

[blossoming]

I have the same problem.  The nighttime driving thing I solve by not driving at night (I'm slightly night-blind anyway, so driving at night is just not a good idea).

For staying awake in lecture situations, I do a couple of things.  I've found that having something in my mouth helps (mints, hard candies, gum).  Also, physical activity within 45 minutes of going to the lecture (get those endorphines coursing through the body).  Anything I can do to make myself physically uncomfortable (hard chair, sitting at an angle so I have to turn my head to see the speaker) also makes it less likely that I will fall asleep.  Finally, taking notes as if I were taking dictation helps me focus on the speaker and decreases the chance of falling asleep.  I even learned shorthand to be able to do this.

That's what helped me get through grad school.  But now, conferences are just torture, especially if I'm going to sessions back to back all day and don't get a chance to take a break to walk/jog/do yoga at some point during the day.  Then I get a friend to sit next to me and jab me in the leg randomly to keep me awake.

This works for me too. I have the same problem.

[goldenapple]

A fellow grad student had exactly the problem you describe -- he'd start nodding off in class --  and went to the health center. He was ultimately diagnosed with a (non-life-threatening, entirely treatable) sleep disorder, received treatment, and no one ever saw him dozing in class again.

I hope things go as well for you!