Do you often find yourself asking, 'Why am I always sleepy?' The struggle to stay awake during the day can be both puzzling and frustrating. While occasional fatigue after a late-night party or a night of insufficient sleep is something we've all experienced, persistent daytime drowsiness might be signalling something more profound. When your sleep is compromised, not only does your daytime productivity suffer, but it also takes a toll on your mood, metabolism, and overall health. We spoke to our experts, who listed some common reasons why you might find yourself in a perpetual state of sleepiness and the role of choosing the right mattress.
Dr Soumya Das, Consultant Pulmonologist, Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata, said, “Feeling perpetually sleepy can stem from a range of factors. It may arise due to a sedentary lifestyle, late-night work schedules, excessive screen time, and underlying health conditions. Understanding our sleep patterns involves recognising that melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland in response to darkness, regulates the ups and downs of our sleep.”
Factors Affecting Sleepiness
Dr Das said, “Often, working conditions under dim lighting or the prevalence of remote work settings can disrupt the normal melatonin cycle, leading to its secretion during daylight hours and thereby impacting nighttime sleep. Insufficient sleep, roughly 7- 8 hours a night, can pave the way for daytime drowsiness. Also, certain health conditions like Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), a severe sleep disorder, can trigger disturbances in sleep. Individuals grappling with OSA often experience dizziness and daytime sleepiness due to inadequate sleep at night.” According to Nature and Science of Sleep, frequent indications consist of too much daytime sleepiness, weariness, insufficiently refreshing sleep, nighttime awakenings to urinate, early morning headaches, irritability, and memory difficulties.
In addition, what you put into your body can impact your energy levels. Consuming a diet high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats can lead to energy crashes and drowsiness. Similarly, dehydration can also leave you feeling tired. Maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated can help combat daytime sleepiness.
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The Role of Mattress Quality
Anand Nichani, Managing Director, Magniflex India, said, “Interrupted sleep patterns at night can be a major cause of daytime sleepiness. The impact of sleep on one's physical and mental well-being cannot be underestimated, and the quality of your mattress plays a crucial role in this equation. Technologically advanced mattresses featuring patented materials like memo form and cooling gel and innovative designs like dual-core, have become indispensable elements for achieving uninterrupted sleep. The comfort and support provided by a mattress directly affect your body's alignment and relaxation, ultimately contributing to a deeper and more revitalising sleep experience.”
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Maintaining Healthy Sleep Patterns
It is vital to maintain proper sleep hygiene to achieve restful sleep. Here are some of the measures you should practise for a better sleep:
- Consistent sleep schedules play a pivotal role in regulating your body's internal clock, contributing to better sleep quality.
- Limiting exposure to electronic devices for 1-2 hours before bedtime is recommended.
- Opting for a cool and dark sleeping environment with adequate ventilation contributes to a conducive sleep setting.
- Loose clothing promotes comfort during sleep. Also, using cotton bedsheets and soft pillows can enhance overall sleep quality.
- Incorporating calming activities, such as listening to soothing music or reading gentle stories before retiring to bed can further aid in achieving sound sleep.
[Disclaimer: The information in this article is shared by experts and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult with your expert if you are having persistent sleep problems.]