Before reading this article, I sincerely invite you to click "Follow" to share professional medical science knowledge with you every day to help you and your family improve the quality of healthy life, thank you for your support!
Do you often feel sleepy during the day and can't wake up at all? In fact, this is not only because I didn't sleep well last night, but also because there may be more complex health problems hidden behind it. Next, let's explore the various reasons why you are sleepy and can't wake up, and how to deal with it.
The effects of sleep deprivation
Lack of sleep is one of the most common causes of daytime sleepiness. In modern society, with high work pressure and fast pace of life, many people are seriously underslewd in sleep. According to research from the National Institutes of Health, chronic sleep deprivation not only affects our cognitive function, but also increases the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
The effects of sleep deprivation on the body are very noticeable. A 2009 study conducted by Pagel et al. found that participants who slept only 6 hours per night for 14 days had a significant decline in neurophysiological function. Studies have also shown that sleep deprivation can lead to a weakened immune system and an increased risk of contracting diseases.
Sleep deprivation not only affects our health, but it also affects our daily life and productivity. Being sleepy during the day can lead to poor concentration, low productivity, and may even lead to traffic accidents.
According to a study by the National Transportation Safety Board, drowsy driving is one of the most important causes of single-vehicle accidents, accounting for 52% of accidents. So, if you often feel sleepy during the day, the first thing to consider is whether you are getting enough sleep.
Effects of drug and substance use
In addition to sleep deprivation, the use of certain medications and substances can also cause daytime sleepiness. Many common medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and sedatives, can cause daytime sleepiness.
Patients on long-acting benzodiazepines performed poorly on driving tests and had a significant increase in traffic accident rates. Alcohol, marijuana, and certain drugs of abuse can also have an impact on our sleep and wakefulness states. For example, although alcohol can help us fall asleep, it can affect the quality of sleep, leading to daytime sleepiness the next day.
Sleep apnea (OSA)
Sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is another common cause of daytime sleepiness. OSA refers to pause or decreased breathing due to a blockage in the upper airways during sleep.
This condition can lead to recurrent hypoxemia and arousals, which can affect sleep quality and wakefulness during the day. Young et al. (1997) showed that the prevalence of OSA in people aged 30 to 60 years was 9% in women and 24% in men. Another study estimated that 26 to 32 percent of U.S. adults are at risk of developing or already having OSA.
OSA not only causes daytime sleepiness, but also increases the risk of traffic accidents and accidents at work. Because the attention and reflexes of people with OSA are affected.
The risk of traffic accidents in patients with OSA is significantly higher than in the general population. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the mainstay of treatment for OSA and can significantly improve daytime sleepiness.
Fourth, other potential causes
In addition to the reasons mentioned above, there are a number of other medical and psychiatric conditions that can also cause daytime sleepiness. For example, head trauma, stroke, tumors, inflammatory diseases, encephalitis, neurodegenerative diseases and depression. Some primary narcolepsy, such as narcolepsy and idiopathic narcolepsy, are rare, but they should not be ignored.
Coping strategies and recommendations
In response to daytime sleepiness, we need to adopt some effective coping strategies. A detailed medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests are necessary to identify potential medical or psychological causes. Questionnaires such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale can be used as screening tools to help assess the degree of daytime sleepiness.
Lifestyle improvements are also key to addressing daytime sleepiness. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, reducing stimuli before bedtime, and creating a good sleep environment can all help improve sleep quality.
CPAP or other appropriate treatments should be used in patients with confirmed OSA; For drug-induced drowsiness, consideration should be given to adjusting or discontinuing the drug.
conclusion
Being sleepy and unable to sleep is not only a matter of lifestyle habits, but can also involve complex health issues. By understanding their underlying causes and coping strategies, we can better protect our health and improve our quality of life.
Hopefully, this article will help you realize the seriousness of daytime sleepiness and take timely measures to ensure adequate sleep and good lifestyle habits to maintain physical and mental health.
bibliography
Pagel JF, et al. "Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Evaluation and Management." American Family Physician, 2009.
Dijk DJ, et al. "Contribution of the circadian pacemaker and the sleep homeostat to sleep propensity, sleep structure, electroencephalographic slow waves, and sleep spindle activity in humans." Journal of Neuroscience, 1995.
Young T, et al. "Estimation of the clinically diagnosed proportion of sleep apnea syndrome in middle-aged men and women." Sleep, 1997.
Finally, what experiences and insights would you like to share? Feel free to leave a message in the comment area!