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Feeling Sleepy All The Time May Seem Normal, But It Can Indicate Serious Disorders. Experts Warn of Health Risks, Accidents, and Decreased Daily Performance
Feeling sleepy all day is not normal. Despite being common, excessive sleepiness — often accompanied by frequent yawning — may signal something more serious. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) warns: this constant tiredness can lead to significant risks, such as accidents, professional errors, and chronic illnesses.
Eric Olson, president of the AASM, explains that many people turn to coffee to stay awake, but this may hide a sleep deficit.
Studies show that poor sleep is linked to problems such as diabetes, depression, heart disease, and high blood pressure. In the United States, one-third of adults report experiencing daytime sleepiness.
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Signs That Are Often Ignored
According to experts, one of the most commonly ignored signs is napping in unusual situations, such as during meetings. Kristen Knutson, a sleep researcher, points out that this behavior may indicate disorders that undermine health and performance at work or in studies.
Indira Gurubhagavatula, a professor of sleep medicine, warns that people deprived of sleep for long periods may not even realize how affected they are.
She cites brain tests that reveal frequent errors among sleepy individuals, even when they believe they are fine. The expert also mentions “micro-sleeps,” which are brief episodes where a person falls asleep for seconds without realizing it.
How to Measure Sleepiness Level
To assess yawns and the severity of sleepiness, one recommended tool is the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. This test analyzes the likelihood of someone falling asleep during routine activities.
A score above 10 requires medical attention. As sleep deprivation progresses, signs such as heavy eyes, slouched posture, and impulsivity appear.
Main Causes of the Problem
Among the most common causes of sleepiness are disorders such as apnea, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome. Conditions like chronic pain and the use of certain medications can also influence.
Lifestyle plays an important role. Excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine, for example, directly affects sleep quality.
Warning About Alcohol and Marijuana
Experts explain that, although alcohol facilitates the onset of sleep, it can disrupt it throughout the night. Marijuana, according to studies, reduces sleep efficiency and increases feelings of fatigue the next day, leading to frequent yawning.
Therefore, maintaining healthy habits and seeking medical help upon noticing persistent signs of fatigue can prevent more serious consequences in the future.
With information from Correio Braziliense.
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