Does hypoxia cause drowsiness?

Hypoxia may cause drowsiness. Hypoxia refers to a condition in which the body's tissues and organs do not receive sufficient oxygen supply, which can be caused by various factors such as altitude sickness, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, etc. When the body experiences hypoxia, brain function can be affected since the brain is one of the most oxygen-demanding organs in the body. Hypoxia can slow down the metabolism of brain cells and reduce the speed of nerve signal transmission, thus triggering a series of neurological symptoms, including drowsiness, excessive sleepiness, and difficulty concentrating. This occurs because hypoxia prevents the brain from maintaining a high level of alertness and activity, leading to feelings of fatigue and sleepiness.

If you are in a hypoxic environment, such as at high altitude, you should try to acclimatize quickly or take necessary measures to supplement oxygen. If you have respiratory or cardiovascular disease, you should actively treat the underlying condition to improve hypoxia. Keep indoor air circulating and avoid staying in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces for long periods. Have regular medical checkups to detect and address health problems that may lead to hypoxia promptly.