Are you often feeling extremely sleepy and exhausted during the day, even after getting a good quality sleep at night? Then you may be experiencing hypersomnia, a health condition that impacts energy levels, mental alertness, focus and routine activities.
Take this two-minute read to learn more about what hypersomnia is, its causes, symptoms and five natural remedies to manage this condition.
What Is Hypersomnia?
Hypersomnia is a sleeping disorder categorised by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) despite getting adequate or prolonged sound sleep at night. Some people with this disorder may regularly sleep for 9 to 11 hours a day or more and still feel exhausted. People with hypersomnia may find it hard to stay awake and fresh during the day, often needing naps, which may still not alleviate their fatigue. Unlike normal tiredness, hypersomnia affects routine activities, work, and personal life.
Causes of Hypersomnia
Several factors can lead to this condition, including:
Certain sleep conditions like sleep apnea and narcolepsy can impede sleep patterns leading to too much sleepiness during the day.
Neurological problems like brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease can lead to hypersomnia.
A few medications and compounds like antidepressants, sedatives, and alcohol can cause drowsiness.
Also Read: Teenager’s Sleep Disorder: Causes And Treatment
Mental health issues like depression and anxiety can lead to extreme sleepiness and exhaustion.
Irregular sleep patterns, over-screen time, and a lack of proper rest can stimulate hypersomnia in some individuals.
Symptoms of Hypersomnia
Some of the common signs of hypersomnia include:
Repeated sessions of extreme sleepiness during the day
Low energy levels
Difficulty walking up in the morning or after daytime naps – called sleep drunkenness
Getting angry when waking up
State of confusion
Hallucinations
Pounding Headaches
Memory issues
Restlessness
Sleep paralysis
5 Effective Natural Remedies to Prevent Hypersomnia
Hypersomnia can be effectively managed by modifying the sleep habits and other behaviours. Lack of quality sleep is one of the common causes of extreme daytime sleepiness. So, it is essential to take effective measures to better sleep patterns, which can help people relieve symptoms associated with this condition. Several studies have shown that a wholesome diet, physical activity, and following good sleep hygiene can greatly impact how well a person sleeps. Here we have listed 5 tips that can help you manage and prevent excessive sleepiness.
Maintain Sleep Schedule
Creating a persistent bedtime and wake-up time every day, even on weekends is important to manage your body’s internal circadian rhythm. Avoid drastic changes in sleep patterns to promote better sleep quality. In addition, experts suggest that people limit afternoon naps to less than 15-20 minutes, as napping more than 30 minutes can make a person feel dazed rather than feeling refreshed after waking.
Improve Sleep Hygiene
It is important to set up a calming bedtime routine by reducing screen time, avoiding caffeine intake and heavy meals before bed, and ensuring a cozy sleeping environment.
Also Read: Busted: 20 Most Common Myths Around Sleep
Stay Physically Active
Engaging in regular workouts can help immensely to boost energy levels and enhance sleep quality. It is important to do at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily like walking, cycling yoga, gardening or strength exercise.
Follow A Balanced Diet
Eating a wholesome and varied diet rich in fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help sustain energy levels. Refrain from consuming sugar-laden stuff and processed foods that may lead to energy crashes.
Ease Stress
Practising stress-relieving techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing exercises helps to reduce stress and anxiety. It is important to augment mental health, which can improve sleep quality and reduce excessive daytime sleepiness.
Conclusion
Hypersomnia can impact your daily activities, performance, and overall health. However, modifying lifestyle habits can help manage its effects. If symptoms persist, seek immediate medical advice to rule out the possibility of underlying health conditions. Natural remedies can help enhance your sleep quality, improve energy levels, and reduce daytime drowsiness effectively.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
Resolution of Hypersomnia Following Identification and Treatment of Vitamin D Deficiency
David E McCarty 1,✉
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3014249/
Hypersomnia
Pradeep C Bollu 1,✉, Sivaraman Manjamalai 2, Mahesh Thakkar 3, Pradeep Sahota 4
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6139790/
