How Can I Avoid Daytime Sleepiness?

Do you have a defined sleep schedule?

Have you checked sleep-related problems such as sleep apnea?

Are you taking a healthy diet?

Do you exercise regularly?

Are you bored?

Do you feel fit and healthy?

A defined sleep schedule is essential to regulate your sleep. Our bodies have something called a circadian rhythm that regulates our sleep cycle. Many thousands of years ago, our ancestors slept at sunset and got up at sunrise and that gene continues in our bodies even today, even if we are no longer dependent on the sun as a source of light. Still, our body needs a defined sleep schedule that should be consistent. When you don't give that consistent sleep for your body, it yearns for it, and eventually grabs it from the day, leading to daytime sleepiness.

Sleep-related problems such as sleep apnea and insomnia can make you feel drowsy and sleepy throughout the day because you have not had a good night's sleep and your body needs it to repair and rejuvenate itself. Check with your healthcare provider to see if you have any of these conditions and take the necessary treatment, if needed.

Good and nutritious food is the building block of your body's health. You have to eat nutritious meals at the same time each day to help your body get into a routine, so it knows to expect food. This is important because many times, daytime sleepiness can come because your body doesn't have enough glucose to get the required energy for its activities.

Exercise is another activity that tires you out and at the same time, keeps all your hormones in balance. When you exercise regularly, the melatonin hormone that's responsible for sleep will secrete at the right time and you can enjoy a good night's sleep. So, no more daytime sleepiness.

Sometimes, when you're bored and don't know what to do, you may feel like sleeping. If you don't want to feel drowsy throughout the day, make sure you pick a hobby, so you can work on it when you're free and have no chores to do. This can be a good distraction that can pull you away from daytime sleepiness.

It's time to take a deeper look at your health to see if everything is fine. This is important because daytime sleepiness can be an indicator of a serious underlying condition that you may miss out on. In fact, anemia and chronic fatigue can add to daytime sleepiness, so identifying the underlying cause and fixing it should be your top priority.

Great! Still, for long-term good health, have a routine for your day, and stick to it. This means, go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time. Likewise, eat your meals around the same time every day, so your body gets into a routine and avoids conditions such as daytime sleepiness.