Some of the members have talked about waking up with very loud T, much more than usual. This may be due to the 'awakening response'. Here is an explanation by a MD about such phenomenon:
"I have always felt it to be due to the role of the reticular formation in tinnitus perception. The reticular formation is a primitive structure in the brain stem. It's a "vital sign monitor." When you wake up, the RF checks to see whether or not you are alive! It looks for heartbeat, respirations, blood pressure, temperature - basic bodily signs. It does not care whether or not these signs are good or bad - just that they are present. And as far as the RF is concerned, tinnitus is part of "expected" body function in an individual suffering from severe intrusive tinnitus. So when you wake, your RF checks to see whether or not tinnitus is present. And if it doesn't immediately find the tinnitus, the RF seeks it with a vengeance - - especially in the post-nap state, when there has been inadequate REM sleep and when, therefore, the RF is on already "high alert" that something might not be quite right. Theoretically - very theoretically - this RF hyperactivity in seeking tinnitus, which in a person with severe intrusive tinnitus it equates with life, results in temporarily markedly augmented tinnitus perception."
If you have quiet days, then perhaps your T is mild. Take that as a positive. Being positive will help you cope with T. Not sure the exact cause of the varying loudness for your case. Perhaps change in body activity during the day, mood change, or blood circulation related. Perhaps 2PM is when blood is pumped to the digestive system and the ears have less blood and therefore less sensitivity. Just my own guess. It is hard to say.
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