Constant drowsiness or hypersomnia may have a lot of causes, from a plain lack of rest to certain diseases. You should be attentive to your body, it always lets you know that something is wrong. Here are eight reasons which cause excessive sleepiness.
1. Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency can decrease hemoglobin in the blood and cause iron-deficiency anemia. According to a study, hemoglobin level affects the quality of sleep and cause other disorders, such as restless legs syndrome. If the doctor suspected iron deficiency, you shouldn’t immediately start taking vitamins.
To find out for sure, perform a blood test. If iron deficiency is detected, your doctor will probably advise you to eat a lot of apples, beef and take iron in vitamins.
It’s better to donate blood, and if the doctor detected iron deficiency, then he/she will probably advise you to eat a lot of apples, beef and take iron in vitamins.
2. Restless Legs Syndrome
Some people simply cannot sit or lie still. They need to constantly move their legs, especially in the evening and at night. This condition is called restless legs syndrome and occurs in 2–10% of people. People with this syndrome have difficulty falling asleep. Sometimes restless legs syndrome is accompanied by other diseases such as diabetes mellitus, arthritis or hypothyroidism. Therefore it’s important to consult a therapist and get an accurate diagnosis.
3. Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency causes chronic fatigue, decreases attention, and disturbs sleep. In some cases, a lack of this vitamin can lead to apnea and even affect metabolism. Vitamin D is produced by the sun, and therefore doctors often advise taking vitamin D supplements. The dosage should be prescribed by a doctor.
4. Apnea
Apnea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. This leads to a lack of blood supply and results in morning fatigue. During apnea, the walls of the airways narrow and this causes a lack of oxygen in the lungs. People who are overweight and smokers are at a higher risk of apnea.
5. Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure (or hypotension) occurs due to impaired heart function, blood loss, overstrain or prolonged stress. Drowsiness and irritability increases, severe headaches and dizziness occur. The best treatment for hypotension is its prevention. A healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, and daily routine will help you with this.
6. Depression
A person may suffer from depression but not know about it. One symptom of depression is constant fatigue. If you suspect depression, you shouldn’t diagnose yourself but visit a doctor.
7. Hormone Imbalance
Thyroid disorders may cause mood swings and drowsiness. This is a condition that is especially common among women since their hormonal cycle changes during a month. Another cause of constant fatigue and drowsiness is hypothyroidism. You should go to an endocrinologist and perform a thyroid ultrasound examination.
8. Infections
Everyone who has acute respiratory viral infections, gastric and intestinal infections always feel sleepy. This is normal because a weakened body needs rest. Viruses evolve faster than scientists find ways to combat them, that’s why the prevention of infectious diseases is difficult and treatment is limited to taking antipyretic drugs.
Most often, fatigue and drowsiness are caused by many different factors. To avoid sleep and health problems, you need to regularly undergo a full medical examination, perform required examinations and tests on time and avoid self-medication.