Sleepyhead Syndrome: Why Your Body Wants To Snooze All Day

Feeling sleepy all day can be a symptom of hypersomnia, a condition that causes extreme daytime sleepiness despite getting enough or more than enough sleep at night. Hypersomnia can be caused by a variety of factors, including sleep deprivation, sleep disorders such as insomnia or sleep apnea, medications, mental health disorders, and other medical conditions. It is important to identify the underlying cause of excessive sleepiness and seek appropriate treatment, as it can negatively impact your daily life and increase the risk of accidents.

Sleep deprivation

Additionally, certain medications, such as alcohol, caffeinated drinks, tranquillisers, sleeping pills, and antihistamines, can disrupt sleeping patterns and contribute to sleep deprivation. Medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, oesophageal reflux, nocturnal asthma, and chronic pain, can also interfere with sleep. Changes in time zones, such as jet lag, can affect the internal biological clock that regulates sleep.

• Avoid cigarettes, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks near bedtime.
• Follow a relaxation routine to prevent nighttime anxiety.
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat a well-balanced diet to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
• Reduce disturbances, such as not watching television in the bedroom.
• Maintain a comfortable temperature in the bedroom.
• Establish a regular sleeping routine.
• Only go to bed when you feel sleepy.
• Take brief 'power' naps during the day if necessary.

Sleep disorders

Other sleep disorders that can cause excessive sleepiness include:

• Restless legs syndrome: People with this condition feel a strong sensation to move their legs and may need to get out of bed and walk around.
• Circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders: When a person's sleep schedule is misaligned with their local day-night cycle, causing short and fragmented sleep.
• Narcolepsy: A neurological condition in which the brain cannot properly regulate the sleep-wake cycle, causing people to be prone to falling asleep rapidly, even at inopportune times.
• Idiopathic hypersomnia: A sleep disorder characterised by excessive nighttime sleeping and the need for naps during the day.

If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, it is important to seek help from a healthcare professional or a sleep disorder clinic, as they can help diagnose and treat the specific condition.

Medication and medical conditions

There are a number of medications that can cause drowsiness and fatigue as side effects. These include antihistamines, antidepressants, beta-blockers, and anti-anxiety medications. If you have recently started taking a new medication and are experiencing increased sleepiness, it may be worth discussing this with your doctor or healthcare provider. They may be able to adjust the dosage or switch you to a different medication.

In addition, certain medical conditions can also cause fatigue and a desire to sleep all day. For example, hypothyroidism, anaemia, depression, sleep apnea, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia are all associated with increased sleepiness. If you are concerned that a medical condition may be causing your excessive sleepiness, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Hormonal changes can also impact sleep patterns. For example, women may experience increased sleepiness during pregnancy or due to hormonal fluctuations associated with the menstrual cycle. Additionally, as people age, their sleep patterns can change, often leading to increased sleep during the day.

Furthermore, sleep disorders such as narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia can cause excessive daytime sleepiness. People with these conditions experience a strong desire to sleep during the day, regardless of how much sleep they get at night. If you suspect you may have a sleep disorder, consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Certain lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise habits, can also contribute to feelings of fatigue and sleepiness. For instance, a diet high in processed foods and simple carbohydrates can lead to blood sugar fluctuations, affecting energy levels and sleep patterns. Similarly, dehydration, lack of physical activity, and prolonged stress can impact energy levels and contribute to feelings of fatigue.

Lifestyle factors

There are a number of lifestyle factors that can cause excessive sleepiness. These include:

• Lack of sleep: Sleep deprivation is the most common cause of excessive sleepiness. This can be caused by long working hours, family demands, study, or social life. It can also be caused by failing to prioritise sleep, for example, by sacrificing sleep for other activities.
• Poor sleep quality: This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a snoring partner, a baby that wakes up during the night, noisy neighbours, uncomfortable temperatures, or an uncomfortable mattress.
• Shift work: It is very difficult to get good sleep while working shifts, especially night shifts. This is because shift work disrupts the body's internal clock, or circadian rhythm.
• Mental states: Anxiety can keep a person awake at night, which makes them prone to sleepiness during the day. Depression can also sap energy and affect sleep patterns.
• Medications: Alcohol, caffeinated drinks, tranquillisers, sleeping pills, and antihistamines can all disrupt sleeping patterns.
• Environmental factors: Changes in time zone, such as jet lag, can affect the internal biological clock that regulates sleep.
• Diet and exercise: A healthy diet and regular exercise can improve sleep quality. Conversely, a diet high in ultra-processed foods and added sugar can impair energy levels and sleep.
• Cigarettes: Cigarette smoking has been linked to increased sleepiness.
• Caffeine: Consuming too much caffeine can harm sleep, leading to fatigue.

If you are experiencing excessive sleepiness, it is important to identify the underlying cause and make appropriate lifestyle adjustments.

Depression

Several types of sleep disorders are associated with depression. These include insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome. People with insomnia are 10 times more likely to have depression.

Treatments for depression include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), medication such as antidepressants, mood-stabilising anticonvulsants or lithium for bipolar depression, exercise, and diet changes such as limiting caffeine and alcohol.

Frequently asked questions