Many factors can contribute to excessive sleepiness. Let's explore some key reasons.
Insufficient Sleep
One of the most common causes of sleepiness is simply not getting enough sleep. This is a fundamental need for our bodies to function properly. As noted by WebMD (https://www.webmd.com/women/why-so-tired-10-causes-fatigue), insufficient sleep prevents you from reaching REM sleep, the stage where you feel most rested.
Biological Factors
Our bodies have a natural sleep-wake cycle regulated by internal biological clocks. The release of adenosine, a chemical from cells, plays a crucial role in making us feel sleepy (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/public-education/brain-basics/brain-basics-understanding-sleep). As the day progresses, adenosine builds up, increasing sleep pressure. This explains why afternoon sleepiness is common (https://store.google.com/intl/en/ideas/articles/the-real-reason-you-feel-sleepy-in-the-afternoon/).
Underlying Medical Conditions
Several underlying health issues can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness. Examples include sleep apnea, where a person briefly stops breathing during sleep, leading to frequent awakenings and tiredness even after a full night’s sleep (https://www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/sleep-apnea-leaves-you-tired-even-after-a-full-nights-sleep). Other conditions, like nutrient deficiencies and stress, can also contribute significantly (https://www.verywellhealth.com/reasons-why-you-feel-sleepy-3014818).
Substance Use
Certain substances can induce sleepiness. For example, alcohol, despite initially having a stimulating effect, acts as a depressant, leading to drowsiness (https://www.healthline.com/health/alcohol/does-alcohol-make-you-sleepy). However, myths about certain foods like turkey containing tryptophan causing sleepiness have been debunked (https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/26/science/no-the-tryptophan-in-turkey-wont-make-you-sleepy.html).
Seeking Help
Chronic fatigue warrants a visit to a doctor for a proper diagnosis. If you consistently experience excessive tiredness, it's crucial to seek medical attention (https://www.verywellhealth.com/reasons-why-you-feel-sleepy-3014818, https://medlineplus.gov/sleepdisorders.html).
