Do You Suffer from Insomnia and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness?
In the midst of a hectic day, one may feel drained of energy — and that’s quite natural, especially due to work and the many tasks accomplished. This creates a strong need for sleep during the day. However, if this becomes frequent, it can disrupt daily functioning and affect the quality of work and activities. So, the question is: Do you suffer from insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness? If your answer is yes, then get to know the main causes:
- Anxiety: One of the primary causes of insomnia is anxiety, which increases alertness and makes it difficult to sleep at night or stay asleep, leading to excessive drowsiness during the day.
- Depression: Studies confirm that 90% of individuals with depression experience severely reduced sleep quality — even during daytime hours.
- Chronic sleep deprivation: Being deprived of sufficient sleep, often due to night shifts or personal circumstances, leads to extreme daytime sleepiness.
- Health conditions: Certain medical conditions can cause daytime drowsiness. Some medications also list drowsiness as a side effect — such as those for high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression.
- Dieting: Studies show that replacing 5% of calories from protein with equal amounts of carbohydrates or unsaturated fats increases the risk of insomnia and daytime drowsiness. Dietary changes from following weight-loss diets can affect daytime sleep quality.
What Are the Main Symptoms Accompanying Excessive Daytime Sleepiness?
Here are the key symptoms of daytime sleepiness:
- Difficulty getting out of bed in the morning.
- Loss of appetite.
- Fatigue and exhaustion.
- Lethargy and sluggishness.
- Constant overthinking.
- Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating.
- Reduced performance in daily activities and work tasks.
- Persistent drowsiness throughout the day.
- Falling asleep at inappropriate times, such as while driving or sitting at a desk.
How Can I Sleep Well During the Day?
It is recommended to take a nap for 20–30 minutes during the early hours of the day. This can recharge your energy and help you complete the day without fatigue or exhaustion.
It is important to avoid napping in the late afternoon, as this may negatively affect nighttime sleep quality. Also, avoid eating right before bed or consuming caffeine, as it significantly reduces sleep quality. Try to go to bed at a consistent time each night when you feel sleepy. Finally, ensure your sleeping environment is ideal — a dark, quiet room with minimal distractions helps ensure a restful sleep.
