Do you often find yourself yawning in the afternoon, or falling asleep at your desk? Feeling sleepy during the day can be attributed to several factors; even if you get a full eight hours of sleep, you can still experience sleepiness during the day.
Biological factors, environmental experiences as well as other external considerations can all impact if you get a good night’s rest, and if that rest stays with you all day long. Of course, everyone is different, and it is difficult to say if any one thing is directly related to you feeling sleepy during the day. However, meeting with a sleep consultant can help you better understand what sleep solutions may be right for you.
Here are a few possibilities as to why you constantly are tired during the day, and how you can begin the process of getting your energy back.
Sleep Apnea
Depending on certain biological factors, sleep apnea affects between 3 – 20 % of the population. Males and individuals who are overweight are more at risk for sleep apnea, though it is still prevalent among many Americans. Sleep apnea can affect the length and quality of sleep you get overnight, which has lingering effects throughout the day.
Air obstruction and snoring cause people with sleep apnea to feel restless, and they are often left feeling sleepy during the day. Thankfully, sleep solutions are available to combat the effects of sleep apnea. Specialty pillows, overnight face masks and CPAP machines are all designed to help minimize sleep apnea and give you a full night’s rest. If you find yourself feeling sleepy during the day and you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, consider using PAP sleep solutions for better rest.
Diet
Did you know? Your diet can affect how well you sleep and how well you feel during the day. A balanced daily diet that includes regular amounts of vitamins, including Vitamin A, B, C, D and E, can keep your body regulated and can sustain your energy throughout the day. This is a great way to more effectively control your sleep routine and cycles, as well. Rather than taking melatonin every night, proper nutrient intake and vitamin levels will turn your energy up when you need it and down when it’s time for bed.
Conversely, you may be feeling sleepy during the day if you put the wrong types of food in your body. High-carb diets can slog your body’s energy levels, making you feel groggy in the afternoon. Sodium and caffeine are also two ingredients that can be fine in moderation, but sleep consultants will tell you that you should avoid excessive amounts of either, especially in the afternoon and evening.
If you have a history of nutritional deficiencies, or if you regularly load up on carbs or caffeine all day long, then you may want to reexamine your diet and focus on healthier daily intakes. Work with a dietitian or a sleep consultant to better understand what your body needs during the day to help you sleep better at night.
Poor Sleep Quality
Even if you get eight or more hours of sleep regularly, you may still notice you are tired during the day. The amount of sleep you get isn’t enough; you still need good quality sleep every night to prevent feeling tired during the day. For example, if you are tossing and turning all night, or if you find yourself getting up to go to the bathroom multiple times, or even if you are sleeping on an empty stomach, your body may not be able to fully rest and reset.
Local sleep consultants can provide tips and advice on how to maximize the quality of sleep you receive. They can offer pillows that are formed to your liking, or they may recommend a different firmness for your mattress. Walk through your nighttime routine with a sleep consultant and let them guide you on how to improve it and what to do differently to help you sleep better overnight.
Find Sleep Solutions Near You
Feeling sleepy during the day? There are sleep solutions out there. Whether you have biological factors that may affect your sleep cycles, a history of nutritional deficiency, or you simply aren’t getting the right quality sleep, a local sleep consultant can help change the way you rest and help energize your days.
At Whitney Sleep, we can help offer guidance and solutions to optimize your overnight rest and help you feel better during the day. From sleep apnea solutions to nighttime routine guidance and everything in between, we are here to help. Schedule an appointment with a sleep consultant near you and find better ways to refresh.