Why do I feel so sleepy and always want to sleep?

Sep 18, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
In general, feeling very sleepy and constantly wanting to sleep may be caused by factors such as insufficient sleep, high mental stress, cervical spondylosis, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes. If you frequently stay up late, your body and brain may become fatigued, leading to excessive sleepiness. Maintaining good daily habits, such as going to bed early and waking up early, can help alleviate these symptoms.

Generally, feeling very sleepy and constantly wanting to sleep may be caused by factors such as lack of sleep, high mental stress, cervical spondylosis, hypothyroidism, or diabetes. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Lack of Sleep

If one frequently stays up late, the body and brain may become fatigued, leading to excessive sleepiness and a constant desire to sleep. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, such as going to bed early and waking up early, can help alleviate these symptoms.

2. High Mental Stress

Psychological and emotional states can affect energy levels and sleep needs. Prolonged periods of stress or anxiety may lead to fatigue and increased sleepiness.

3. Cervical Spondylosis

Degenerative changes in the cervical spine may cause protrusion of intervertebral discs, which can compress the vertebral artery, resulting in insufficient blood supply to the brain and causing cerebral ischemia and hypoxia. This may also lead to drowsiness and a desire to sleep.

4. Hypothyroidism

When the synthesis or secretion of thyroid hormones in the body is reduced, basal metabolism slows down, leading to symptoms such as excessive sleepiness and fatigue. Under medical guidance, patients may take medications such as propylthiouracil tablets or carbimazole tablets for treatment.

5. Diabetes

In patients with diabetes, atherosclerosis may easily develop, leading to insufficient cerebral blood supply and resulting in drowsiness and excessive sleepiness. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and, as directed by a physician, use medications such as insulin glargine injection or insulin aspart injection for treatment.

If drowsiness and excessive sleepiness are severe, prompt medical evaluation is advised to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and avoiding staying up late are important preventive measures.