What should I do if I feel sleepy every afternoon?

Feeling drowsy in the afternoon may be due to physiological factors, or it could result from conditions such as neurasthenia or anemia. Targeted treatment should be based on the specific underlying cause. The details are as follows:

1. Physiological Factors

If one has poor daily routines, skips napping, or engages in intense mental work in the morning, drowsiness in the afternoon may occur. This is considered normal and usually improves by adjusting sleep habits and work patterns. Generally, there is no need for concern.

2. Disease-Related Factors

1) Neurasthenia

This condition is often associated with chronic sleep deprivation and excessive stress. It can affect a patient's mental state, causing afternoon drowsiness along with symptoms such as sleep disturbances and difficulty concentrating. Patients are advised to take medications such as Anshen Bunan liquid or Oryzanol tablets under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.

2) Anemia

Anemia can lead to insufficient blood supply to the brain, resulting in afternoon drowsiness, as well as symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and pale skin. Patients should take medications such as Shengxue Ning tablets or Ferrous Succinate tablets under a doctor’s supervision to improve their condition.

Besides the common causes mentioned above, other conditions—such as depression, cerebral arteriosclerosis, or hypertension—may also be responsible. In such cases, patients should seek timely medical evaluation and treatment to avoid delays in managing their illness.