Why do I feel sleepy after running in the morning?
Oct 12, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
Feeling drowsy after morning running may be caused by poor sleep quality at night, excessive exercise, cerebral hypoxia, or low blood sugar. When sleep quality is poor, drowsiness after morning running is more likely to occur. Overexertion leads to a sharp increase in the body's energy consumption, which can result in post-run drowsiness. Reduced blood flow to the brain causes oxygen deficiency, leading to sleepiness.
Feeling drowsy after morning running may be caused by poor sleep quality at night, excessive exercise, cerebral hypoxia, hypoglycemia, or other factors. If drowsiness occurs after morning running, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly, complete relevant examinations, and proceed with appropriate treatment.
1. Poor sleep quality at night: If one goes to bed late or wakes up frequently during the night, resulting in insufficient or poor-quality sleep, drowsiness may occur after morning running.
2. Excessive exercise: Running too fast or for too long in the morning can lead to a sharp increase in energy consumption, causing fatigue and drowsiness afterward.
3. Cerebral hypoxia: During nighttime sleep, blood flow in the body is relatively slow. Upon waking in the morning, the brain may already be in a relatively hypoxic state. Running further shifts blood flow toward the limbs, reducing cerebral blood supply and worsening oxygen deficiency, thereby inducing drowsiness.
4. Hypoglycemia: Morning running consumes significant amounts of water and carbohydrates. If one runs without consuming any food or drink beforehand, hypoglycemia may occur. The brain lacks sufficient glucose, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and drowsiness.
