Drowsiness: causes, consequences and how to combat this growing problem

Drowsiness is a disorder that affects millions of people around the world. Often underestimated, this state of excessive and continuous fatigue can have serious consequences on daily life, work performance and even mental and physical health.

Drowsiness is a feeling of constant sleepiness or fatigue that can range from slight heaviness to an almost uncontrollable need to sleep. It’s not just simple “laziness” or occasional tiredness; This is a persistent condition that may indicate serious underlying problems, such as sleep disorders or lifestyle imbalances. Drowsiness can be classified into two main types:

1. Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS): It is the persistent need to sleep during the day, which affects performance and concentration.
2. Episodic or acute drowsiness: It is usually linked to a temporary lack of sleep or a stressful situation, and disappears once the person has recovered.

Main causes of drowsiness

There are multiple factors that can cause drowsiness. Below we detail the most common ones:

1. lack of sleep

The most common cause of drowsiness is a lack of adequate sleep, which can be due to irregular sleep schedules, problems falling asleep, or simply sleeping fewer hours than recommended. Adults generally need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night to function properly. Sleeping less than this amount often results in drowsiness.

2. Sleep disorders

There are several disorders that can cause drowsiness, including sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome. These problems interfere with restful sleep, causing the person to wake up several times during the night or not reach the necessary deep stages of rest.

3. Hormonal imbalances and mental health disorders

Hormonal imbalances, such as hypothyroidism, can reduce energy and cause fatigue and drowsiness. Likewise, mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety also contribute to drowsiness by altering sleep patterns and the quality of rest.

4. Lifestyle and external factors

Habits such as an unbalanced diet, lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption, caffeine and chronic stress are external factors that significantly contribute to drowsiness. Additionally, prolonged use of electronic devices before bed can affect sleep quality, increasing the risk of daytime sleepiness.

Consequences of drowsiness

Drowsiness not only reduces quality of life, but can also put health and safety at risk. Some of the most common effects include:

• Reduced cognitive performance: Drowsiness affects concentration, memory and the ability to make decisions. This can impact both the academic and work environments.
• Increased risk of accidents: Driving or working while drowsy is extremely dangerous. Drowsiness is one of the main causes of traffic accidents, as it reduces reflexes and the ability to react.
• Impact on mental and physical health: Constant sleepiness is linked to mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. In addition, it increases the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity.

How to combat drowsiness

Fortunately, there are various strategies to combat drowsiness and improve sleep quality. Here are some tips backed by health experts:

1. Establish a sleep routine

Going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, even on weekends, can help regulate your body clock. This improves sleep quality and reduces drowsiness.

2. Create an environment conducive to rest

A dark, cool, noise-free bedroom is ideal for a restful sleep. Reducing the use of electronic devices before bed also helps avoid interruptions in sleep.

3. Adopt healthy lifestyle habits

Including physical activity in your daily routine, reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption, and eating a balanced diet are key elements to combat drowsiness.

4. Consider the help of health professionals

If drowsiness persists despite lifestyle changes, it is advisable to see a doctor. Health professionals can identify possible sleep disorders or other underlying conditions that require specific treatment.