A group of neuroscientists from Washington University in St. Louis studied the science behind why we fall asleep at work. The team found that while sleep may not be the best way to get things done, it does have its advantages.
One study showed that short bursts of alpha-band activity arouse our sense of being awake, and help us remember a few seconds of a scene. This may help us focus and stay awake for longer.
Do you want to find ways of how to not fall asleep after lunch? If you’re constantly feeling sleepy after lunch, you might be wondering how to stop this from happening. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to keep your energy levels steady throughout the day.
When you eat a large meal, blood sugar levels in your body tend to rise. As they do, your brain signals you to focus on digestion. But the spike is short-lived. In the next hour, your blood sugar drops, causing a dip in your energy.
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Causes Of Sleepiness During Work:
If you are tired all day long, then you probably have this raging question all the time in your mind as “why do I keep falling asleep while working”? Well, there are a number of different causes of sleepiness, including depression, hypersomnia, restless legs syndrome, and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD). Read on to find out more.
Restless Legs Syndrome
An uncontrollable impulse to move one or both of your limbs is caused by restless legs syndrome, a neural system problem. It could be accompanied by unpleasant, uncomfortable feelings.
RLS affects people of all ages and is twice as common in women. If left untreated, it can interfere with your ability to sleep.
Restless legs syndrome can be caused by several factors. The most commonly cited cause is a lack of iron in the blood. In addition, there are several other medical conditions that may lead to RLS.
A doctor may diagnose restless legs syndrome by asking questions about the symptoms. This includes how they occur, where they appear, and how long they’ve been present.
Some doctors also perform a neurological examination to check for nerve damage. Lab tests can also be performed to rule out other medical conditions.
Medications can help people with RLS. These include anti-Parkinson disease medications and benzodiazepines. However, some medicines will not work or will stop working after a while.
Hypersomnia
When you are drowsy during the day, it can interfere with your work, relationships and even school. It can increase your risk of accidents, especially if you are driving. The main cause of excessive daytime sleepiness is inadequate sleep.
Insufficient sleep can be caused by a number of factors, including medication and inability to get a full night’s sleep. A lack of sleep can also be the result of psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Some drugs can also cause drowsiness.
There are several different types of hypersomnia. The most common is narcolepsy. This disorder affects children and adults. Narcolepsy has a range of symptoms, including a constant urge to fall asleep and difficulty waking up after naps.
Another type of hypersomnia is psychophysiological hypersomnia. This is a condition that is often associated with headaches, uncontrollable need for sleep, and a tendency to nap during the day. Other disorders include multiple sclerosis and encephalitis.
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)
Periodic limb movement disorder is a condition that causes a person to experience repetitive jerking movements of his or her lower limbs during sleep. This condition can lead to fatigue and disrupt sleep. It can also cause cardiovascular complications.
The diagnosis of PLMD is done by evaluating leg movements using a polysomnogram. This test measures breathing, other vital signs, and brain waves. In addition to evaluating PLMD, the sleep study will help the clinician understand the patient’s sleep pattern and other related disorders.
Treatment of PLMD can involve medication, lifestyle changes, and eliminating aggravators. Dopaminergic medications, such as benzodiazepines and selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, may reduce PLMD.
Other treatments include deep breathing exercises, a reduction in caffeine and alcohol intake, and reducing stress. These techniques can improve a person’s quality of sleep. Although PLMD can affect an individual’s ability to sleep, it does not always impact the individual’s physical health.
Studies have shown that PLMD is more common in older adults. However, there has been no study on its prevalence in younger individuals.
Depression
When it comes to depression, one of the most common symptoms is sleepiness. It can affect you emotionally and physically. In some cases, it can affect your ability to perform at work or school. Luckily, there are treatments that can help. But it’s important to get a professional diagnosis before deciding on treatment.
One of the main causes of depression is stress. This can be due to a variety of factors, including past trauma, childhood abuse, or a significant loss. Symptoms can include feelings of sadness, fatigue, and lack of motivation.
While the causes of depression are unknown, researchers believe that chemical changes in the brain and neurocircuits play a role. They may also be linked to genetics.
A health professional should conduct a thorough physical and mental examination to assess the likelihood that a patient is suffering from depression. The evaluation will explore a person’s family history, medical and cultural factors, and symptoms. Depending on the case, the doctor might ask about the severity of the symptoms, suggest tests, and monitor the patient’s progress over time.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness, you may be at risk for a variety of diseases. The condition interferes with your daily function and can be debilitating. Above are many causes for this condition, but there are also a number of ways to treat it.
