Why do I feel sleepy every afternoon, and what should I do about it?
Jun 06, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
Feeling drowsy every afternoon may be related to physiological factors, cervical spondylosis, hypertension, etc. In addition to the common causes mentioned above, anemia, cerebral arteriosclerosis, and heart disease could also lead to afternoon sleepiness. It is recommended to maintain adequate rest, eliminate the habit of staying up late, and engage in appropriate exercise when physically able to improve overall health.
Feeling drowsy every afternoon may be related to physiological or pathological factors. Physiological factors generally do not require special treatment, while pathological factors can be managed with medications as directed by a physician. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Physiological Factors
If you frequently stay up late, it can lead to insufficient sleep, making you prone to drowsiness in the afternoon. Additionally, eating a large lunch can cause blood to concentrate in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing blood supply to the brain and resulting in fatigue and dizziness. These issues do not require special treatment; simply getting more rest and controlling portion sizes is sufficient.
2. Pathological Factors
1) Cervical Spondylosis
Individuals who spend long periods working with their heads down or using mobile phones have a higher risk of developing cervical spondylosis, which can lead to vertebrobasilar insufficiency. This condition not only causes afternoon drowsiness but may also be accompanied by dizziness, headaches, and blurred vision. In such cases, medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or Jingfukang granules may be taken as prescribed by a doctor.
2) Hypertension
In patients with high blood pressure, excessive systemic circulation pressure can reduce cardiac stroke volume, leading to decreased physical stamina and feelings of fatigue and sleepiness. It is recommended to take medications such as indapamide tablets or bisoprolol fumarate tablets under medical guidance.
Besides the common causes mentioned above, conditions such as anemia, cerebral arteriosclerosis, and heart disease may also contribute to afternoon drowsiness. It is advisable to maintain adequate rest, eliminate the habit of staying up late, and engage in appropriate physical exercise when possible to improve overall health.
