How to Combat Daytime Drowsiness

9:00 a.m.: “I’m still a little sleepy from waking up this morning.” 

10:00 a.m.: “Waiting for the coffee to kick in.”

11:00 a.m.: “I still feel sleepy. Maybe I should get a second cup of coffee?”

12:00 p.m.: “I really wish I could take a nap.”

1:30 p.m.: “I really, really need a nap.”

2:45 p.m.: “I can barely keep my eyes open.”

3:15 p.m.: “Is it bedtime yet?”

Daytime drowsiness — also known as excessive sleepiness or hypersomnia — occurs more often than people realize. While it’s normal to feel a little sleepy during the day, falling asleep at work, taking excessive naps, or needing caffeine to stay awake is not normal.  

Daytime sleepiness is one of the most common signs you’re not getting enough sleep during the night, as it’s your body’s way of combating sleep deprivation. However, as you might have experienced first-hand, it causes disruptions in productivity, lapses in your ability to focus, and hurts your overall health if experienced consistently. 

Are you tired of experiencing daytime drowsiness? The mattress experts at Texas Mattress Makers are here to share some tips on how to stay awake during the day and combat that sluggish state. 

What causes daytime drowsiness?

What’s the deal? Why am I sleepy during the day? Well, your need for a midday snooze could be attributed to many factors, including your own sleep habits and your overall health. Daytime sleepiness or hypersomnia can be a sign of:

• Sleep apnea
• Narcolepsy
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Sleep disorders
• Poor sleep hygiene  
• Restless leg syndrome
• Depression or anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Misuse of stimulants or alcohol
• Overall poor health
• Side effects of certain medications
• Idiopathic hypersomnia (which has no known cause)

Is oversleeping bad? Yes, it can be. If you need more than nine hours of sleep at night and still find yourself longing for a nap, you could be dealing with hypersomnia or chronic fatigue. If you believe you have any type of sleep disorder, speak with your primary care physician or consult with a sleep specialist to address the root of your daytime sleepiness.

How to fight daytime sleepiness

If you’re someone who is searching for “how to get rid of daytime sleepiness instantly,” you have to know that combating sleep deprivation is not so simple. However, you can implement these tips on how to stay awake during the day and how to get more sleep at night to fight fatigue.

How to stay awake during the day

• Try healthier caffeine products: Instead of refilling the coffee pot or cracking open a soda, try a cup of green tea, matcha, or Earl Grey to perk you up without the excess sugar.
• Soak up the sun: Being out in the daylight for little bits every day can help you soak up that good Vitamin D and expose yourself to light. Take a little walk, check the mail, or simply step out for a moment of fresh air when you’re feeling sluggish.
• 20-20-20 Rule: If you’re working at a computer, take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and focus on something 20 feet away. This can reduce eye strain and mental fatigue.
• Eat an energizing snack: Sugar may be a stimulant but it won’t keep you alert for long. Opt for low-sugar, high-fiber snacks to help you maintain more energy: peanut butter, yogurt, berries, carrots with dip, etc. Make sure you’re hydrating as well!
• Take a short nap: A 10 – 20 minute nap can recharge you without making you groggy. Avoid napping longer than 30 minutes to prevent disrupting your nighttime sleep.

Getting better sleep at night

• Manage your caffeine intake: Even if you’re not drinking coffee at night, caffeine can linger in your system for hours after consumption and can make it tougher for you to fall asleep. Avoid caffeine at least six hours before your bedtime. 
• Stick to a sleep schedule: Establishing and keeping a consistent sleep schedule means going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. This will help your body regulate your circadian rhythm, which tells you when it’s time to go to sleep and wake up.
• Be wary of sleep supplements: Sleep aids like melatonin can help you to fall asleep faster, but they can also have negative side effects that lead to daytime drowsiness. Read our blog on melatonin pros and cons to get the full story.
• Invest in a top-quality mattress: The true answer to how to get more sleep is to find a mattress that will help you fall asleep and stay asleep to get a full night’s rest. Think of a mattress as the foundation of your sleep quality. When you wake up refreshed, you’ll experience less daytime sleepiness. 

The right mattress for you can be the solution to many sleepless nights. Each of our mattresses in Houston is crafted for optimal support and comfort, helping to reduce nighttime tossing and turning and improve morning energy. 

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Say Goodbye to Daytime Drowsiness

The solution to daytime drowsiness includes a top-quality mattress (from Texas Mattress Makers, of course), establishing healthy habits during the day, and prioritizing good sleep hygiene at night. When you get the rest your body needs, you will be able to limit daytime sleepiness and maintain energy throughout the day. Say goodbye to falling asleep at work!

We can create the best mattress Houston has to offer you due to our on-site manufacturing team, our top-quality components, and our lower factory-direct prices. Mattress shopping with our experts is simple, stress-free, and straightforward. We take the guesswork out of finding the perfect mattress for your needs.

Visit any of our mattress stores in Houston to begin your journey to better sleep today.

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• How Much Sleep Do I Really Need?
• 5 Unexpected Benefits of Sleep
• Benefits of Shopping for a Mattress in Person
• How Long Does it Take to Fall Asleep?
• Tips for Adjusting to Daylight Savings Time