Why Do I Always Feel Sleepy, Even When I Get Enough Sleep Treatment?
Feeling constantly sleepy during the day can be frustrating and concerning, even when you think you’re getting adequate sleep at night. There are several potential causes of chronic daytime sleepiness that a sleep clinic in Mesa, AZ, can help diagnose and treat through a customized sleep study near you.
Sleepiness and fatigue affect millions of Americans, interfering with work, school, relationships, and overall quality of life. While occasional drowsiness is normal, if you regularly feel like you can’t stay awake during the day, regardless of how much rest you got the night before, it’s time to explore the root causes.
Common Causes of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Sleep Apnea
One of the most common culprits behind unexplained daytime drowsiness is sleep apnea, a disorder where breathing is disrupted briefly but repeatedly throughout the night. These breathing interruptions prevent you from getting high-quality, restorative sleep. Even if you sleep 8 hours a night with untreated sleep apnea, you may not feel refreshed upon waking.
Insomnia
Insomnia disrupts your ability to fall and remain asleep at night, preventing you from reaching the deep sleep stages crucial for optimal bodily and mental functioning. This persistent condition often leaves you feeling fatigued, regardless of the time spent in bed.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome leads to irresistible urges to move your legs frequently throughout the night. It prevents you from reaching REM sleep, the most restorative stage. Waking up feeling sleepy is common with restless leg syndrome.
Other Sleep Disorders
Conditions like narcolepsy, circadian rhythm disorders, nighttime seizures, and periodic limb movement disorder can also lead to poor sleep quality and next-day drowsiness. A comprehensive sleep study can identify these and other sleep issues.
Lifestyle Factors
Certain lifestyle habits and health issues may also contribute to feeling chronically sleepy. These include:
- Poor sleep hygiene, like inconsistent bedtimes and using electronics before bed
- Medications that cause drowsiness
- Underlying medical conditions such as anemia, diabetes, thyroid disorders
- Depression, anxiety, and stress
- Dietary deficiencies in iron, magnesium, or vitamin D
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Sleep deprivation from having a new baby
When to See a Sleep Specialist
If you regularly feel exhausted no matter how early you go to bed or how long you sleep, don’t ignore it. Scheduling an appointment with a sleep medicine specialist is essential for a comprehensive evaluation. A doctor can review your symptoms, sleep habits, health history, and lifestyle to determine if an underlying issue affects your sleep.
Following the assessment, your physician might suggest a sleep study. It entails spending a night at a sleep clinic in Mesa, AZ, where various sensors will monitor vital parameters like oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing patterns, and brain activity during your sleep.
The sleep study results provide valuable insight into what’s preventing quality rest, whether it’s sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or something else entirely. It allows your Mesa, AZ, doctor to create a tailored treatment plan. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, sleep aids, oral appliances for apnea, or CPAP therapy.
Conclusion
With proper diagnosis and treatment from Taylor Made Sleep, a sleep clinic in Mesa, AZ, you can finally determine why you feel excessively sleepy even with sufficient sleep. Expert care improves sleep, boosts daytime energy, and enhances your overall health and well-being. Don’t assume daily fatigue is normal—take steps to uncover the root cause and get the restorative sleep your body needs.