What are the causes of feeling drowsy all day?
Jun 16, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
In general, excessive daytime sleepiness may be caused by seasonal changes, poor living habits, upper respiratory tract infections, anemia, insufficient cerebral blood supply, or other similar reasons. Symptomatic management through general treatments, medication, and other approaches may be necessary. It is recommended to engage in moderate daily exercise, such as jogging or rope skipping, which can help promote blood circulation and increase energy levels.
In general, persistent drowsiness throughout the day may be caused by factors such as seasonal changes, unhealthy lifestyle habits, upper respiratory tract infections, anemia, or insufficient cerebral blood supply. Symptomatic management through general treatments or medication may be necessary. If symptoms are severe, timely medical consultation and following medical advice for treatment are recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Seasonal Changes
Seasonal variations can affect the amount of light the human body receives, thereby influencing the body's circadian rhythm and melatonin secretion. For example, in winter, shorter daylight hours reduce the amount of light exposure, increasing melatonin secretion, which can lead to drowsiness. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as low mood, changes in appetite, and reduced energy. It is recommended to increase outdoor activity time and seek more exposure to natural light.
2. Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits
Irregular sleep schedules, lack of physical activity, and excessive use of electronic devices at night can all lead to poor sleep quality, resulting in persistent drowsiness throughout the day. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as low spirits, difficulty concentrating, and memory decline. It is advised to adjust daily habits, establish a regular sleep schedule, and ensure adequate sleep.
3. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
Upper respiratory tract infections are mainly caused by pathogen invasion and low immunity. When an upper respiratory infection occurs, the body consumes more energy to fight off viruses or bacteria, potentially causing drowsiness. This is usually accompanied by symptoms such as fever, nasal congestion, and coughing. It is recommended to take medications such as aspirin tablets, ibuprofen capsules, or oseltamivir phosphate capsules under a doctor's guidance.
4. Anemia
Anemia refers to a condition where the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin concentration falls below the normal range, leading to inadequate oxygen supply to tissues and organs. Patients may experience symptoms such as fatigue and drowsiness, possibly accompanied by pallor, palpitations, and shortness of breath. It is recommended to follow medical advice to use medications such as ferrous sulfate sustained-release tablets, iron(II) fumarate tablets, or ammonium ferric citrate vitamin B1 syrup II to alleviate symptoms.
5. Insufficient Cerebral Blood Supply
Atherosclerosis, vascular narrowing, or occlusion of cerebral arteries can cause insufficient cerebral blood flow. This insufficient blood supply to the brain leads to cerebral hypoxia and inadequate supply of nutrients, thereby affecting normal brain function and causing symptoms such as fatigue and drowsiness. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and memory loss. It is recommended to use medications such as aspirin enteric-coated tablets, clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate tablets, or rosuvastatin calcium tablets under a doctor's guidance for treatment.
It is recommended to engage in moderate daily exercise, such as jogging or rope skipping, which can help promote blood circulation and enhance energy levels.
