Why do I feel drowsy and fatigued during the day but can't fall asleep at night?

Sep 13, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
In general, feeling drowsy and fatigued during the day while having difficulty sleeping at night may be caused by factors such as a noisy environment, emotional issues, iron deficiency anemia, depression, or obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. It is recommended to follow medical advice for symptomatic treatment. Additionally, daytime drowsiness and fatigue accompanied by nighttime insomnia could also be due to hypothyroidism. It is advisable to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital.

Generally, daytime drowsiness and fatigue accompanied by difficulty sleeping at night may be caused by factors such as a noisy environment, emotional issues, iron-deficiency anemia, depression, or obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. It is recommended to follow medical advice for symptomatic treatment. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Noisy Environment

If a patient's sleeping environment contains excessive noise or strong lighting, it may interfere with sleep, leading to insomnia at night and daytime drowsiness due to poor rest. It is advisable for patients to choose a quiet place to sleep, or use earplugs under a doctor’s guidance to aid sleep.

2. Emotional Issues

Prolonged low mood can also cause sleep disturbances, resulting in fatigue, drowsiness, and tiredness both during the day and at night. Patients should maintain a positive mindset and avoid anxiety. Under medical supervision, medications such as Oryzanol tablets, Anshen Buxin pills, or Vitamin B1 tablets may be used, along with adjustments to daily routines.

3. Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Unbalanced diet and other factors may lead to insufficient iron intake, causing iron-deficiency anemia and subsequent cellular dysfunction. Common symptoms include weakness and easy fatigue, which may manifest as extreme daytime sleepiness and insomnia at night. Treatment may include ferrous gluconate tablets or ferrous fumarate granules, taken under medical supervision.

4. Depression

Depression is a mental health disorder commonly characterized by low mood, reduced interest, and decreased self-esteem. It affects sleep quality, often causing difficulty falling asleep, early awakening, or inability to fall back asleep after waking during the night. Medications such as Sertraline Hydrochloride tablets or Paroxetine Hydrochloride tablets may be prescribed under a doctor’s guidance.

5. Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome

This condition involves repeated episodes of breathing cessation during sleep due to airway obstruction caused by relaxation of throat muscles. Symptoms include poor sleep quality, frequent loud snoring, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Treatment under medical supervision may include medications such as Roxithromycin capsules or Prednisone Acetate tablets.

In addition, daytime drowsiness and fatigue with nighttime insomnia could also be caused by hypothyroidism. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.