Why Do I Get So Tired In The Afternoon?
A lack of sleep deprives the body of the time it needs to heal and restore tissues that are damaged due to the stress placed on the body throughout the day. Micro-tears in muscles are healed and by-products that are produced by the many processes that occur in the body are flushed away. Both white and red blood cells are produced to replace those that break down or are used up. When a person’s sleep patterns are disrupted, the body can’t perform many of these housekeeping procedures as it should.
Circadian Rhythm
The Circadian Rhythm is a biological cycle that lasts approximately 24 hours. Science has proven that this cycle includes a dormant time when each living thing rests. Although the cycle that follows the Circadian “clock” is present in both plants and animals, it is different for each species. Human beings require at least 8 to 10 hours of sleep each day to remain in optimal health. A person’s sleep time is normally at night so they can be wide awake during the day. When that delicate rhythm is disrupted by poor sleep habits, the body doesn’t get the rest it needs. Tissues remain unrepaired and the immune system becomes weak and inefficient. The person becomes more susceptible to disease and the begin to feel fatigued and run down.
What Causes Poor Sleep Patterns
Poor sleep patterns can have many causes. Medical conditions that make breathing at night to be difficult or lead to an increase in pain and discomfort, are often common causes of a lack of sleep. People who work long hours at night or into the early morning will also have disrupted sleep patterns. Stress and anxiety can also disrupt sleep patterns making you feel drowsy and fatigued throughout the day. The first few hours of the day go smoothly until lunch, but then you hit the wall. A quick 15 to 20-minute power nap can give you the energy you need to make it through the day.
Restoring Good Sleeping Habits
It’s important to do whatever is necessary to restore good sleeping habits. Maintaining a normal body core temperature is one way. Establishing a nighttime routine that includes going to bed at the same time each night is a good start. Remove electronics from the bedroom to eliminate distractions. Charge your cell phone in another room so it won’t go off and wake you up. Eat your last meal of the day around 6 p.m. so it has time to digest before you go to bed.
Everyone has times when they feel tired towards the middle of the day. Take the time to figure out why you aren’t sleeping like you should. If needed, have a sleep study performed to determine if you have a health issue that is making it difficult for you to fall asleep. Restoring your normal sleep patterns so they fall in line with the natural Circadian rhythm will help you to stay awake through the middle of the afternoon. Your immune system will function more efficiently, allowing you to feel better and have more energy.
Is chronic pain keeping you awake? Visit STI for a complimentary injury assessment.
