Drowsiness most commonly results from improper sleep. In fact, excessive daytime drowsiness may be a symptom of a sleep disorder. Emotional states including depression, worry, stress, and boredom can also cause it. It can also be a side effect of certain drugs. Other causes include poor diet, an eating disorder, chronic discomfort, lack of exercise, diabetes and underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
Some signs of drowsiness include excess sleepiness during the day, lethargy, irritability and less energy.
Here are some tips to fight drowsiness.
Commit to a Regular Sleep Timetable
Lack of sleep and disturbed nap are two of the main reasons behind daytime drowsiness. Hence, setting a proper sleeping timetable is one of the best methods to prevent daytime drowsiness. Proper sleep will even help fight low energy, tiredness, depression and stress. Different people need different amounts of sleep to function well, however, an average of 8 hours of sound sleep is sufficient to help your body function properly. To help enjoy sound sleep: 1- Maintain asleep timetable that has a consistent bedtime and wake time. 2-Keep your bedroom completely dark to promote restful sleep. If required, use shades or blinds to block out any exterior light. 3-Invest in the best quality mattress, comforter, and pillows to improve your sleep quality. 4-Read a book or do some comforting yoga stretches for about twenty minutes before going to bed.
Drink Lemon Water
Drinking lemon water in the morning is another excellent method to get rid of daytime sleepiness. Lemon water helps keep the body hydrated and flush out harmful poisons. Dehydration affects the oxygenation of the mind, making you feel more fatigued and sleepy during the day. 1- Beverage a glass of lemon juice first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and another 2 glasses during the day.
2- To make lemon water, squeeze the fluid from ½ lemons into a glass of purified, warm water. If you want, you can use a little honey. 3- To keep your body hydrated, also eat foods that naturally contain water, such as yogurt, broccoli, carrots and juicy fruits like watermelon and grapefruits.
Eat Foods Rich in Omega-3
A 2014 research by the University of Oxford recommends that higher levels of omega-3 DHA are related with better sleep. Getting a good night’s sleep will automatically aid fight sleepiness as well as fatigue and mild depression. Moreover, omega-3 fatty acids help boost your immunity and keep you intellectually alert throughout the day. Some good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are: 1-Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and albacore tuna 2-Walnuts and flaxseeds 3-Peanut butter 4-Canola oil 5-Eggs 6-Soybeans and soy products
Regular exercise of thirty minutes, 5 times a week, can greatly help recover your alertness and energy and fight daytime drowsiness. It also recovers your sleep quality at night. Outdoor workout provides the most benefits. 1- Enjoy thirty minutes of brisk walking in the morning in a park. 2- Do some stretching exercises to get the energy you required for the day ahead. 3- Do aerobic exercise in the evening, but evade doing it just prior to sleep time. 4- Also, do breathing exercises a few times during the day to increase blood circulation and fight stress. “