What Drowsiness Can Tell You About Your Overall Health

woman sleeping on crowded boat

What Drowsiness Can Tell You About Your Overall Health

drowsiness

Drowsiness

There are a lot of people who experience a sluggish feeling in the afternoon, which can affect their overall productivity. But if you are continually feeling drowsy, what can that tell you about your overall health? Modern lifestyles are often sedentary, and it can be relatively normal to feel sluggish in the latter part of your afternoon. However, consistent drowsiness can be an indicator that it may be beneficial to change some habits.

ARE YOU FEELING DROWSY MORE OFTEN THAN USUAL?

We are all going to have days where we feel more energetic and engaged, but if you are feeling drowsy more often than not, it’s time to take a closer look at your lifestyle. If a lack of sleep causes your drowsiness, then the solution is simple, get more sleep! If you are having difficulty sleeping due to insomnia or another sleep-related condition, it’s time to see a doctor. If you are getting a good night of sleep consistently, then your drowsiness may be a sign of another medical condition.

Feeling drowsy after a good night of sleep is often attributed to the stress brought on by our hectic lifestyles. A day at the office includes a lot of sitting in front of a computer, sometimes with little or no natural light. In addition to needing to overcome stress and being too sedentary, your drowsiness may also be trying to tell you something about your overall health. Let’s take a closer look.

WHAT IS YOUR BODY TRYING TO TELL YOU?

HYPOTHYROIDISM AND HYPERTHYROIDISM

Problems with the thyroid can lead to overall feelings of fatigue and drowsiness. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can lead to continued feelings of tiredness. We advise checking with your doctor to see if they recommend thyroid testing as a way of determining the cause of your drowsiness.

CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME

Chronic fatigue syndrome and mononucleoses are two other conditions that can cause feelings of prolonged drowsiness. These two conditions can result in a negative disruption to your overall quality of life and should be addressed as quickly as possible. Bring any sustained feelings of fatigue to your doctor’s attention.

SLEEP DISORDERS

Sleep disorders are another frequent cause of drowsiness. Sleep apnea affects many people who may not realize that they even have the condition. A sleep study is an effective way to determine if a sleep disorder is the culprit of your inability to feel rested and refreshed.

Good, quality sleep is essential for good overall health and wellness. If you aren’t feeling rested and alert for a prolonged period, even after following a regular sleep schedule, it’s time to seek medical help. Contact your doctor today and find out if a sleep study or other medical test is required.

Quality sleep consistently will also help your body remain strong and healthy. Experiencing fatigue and drowsiness is no fun, and can also be a sign of a more severe problem.