A good night of sleep should have you feeling well-rested and awake the next day.
Sleepiness vs. Tiredness
Feeling tired and feeling sleepy are phrases that are often used interchangeably.
While there are some similarities between the two, these experiences are different by nature.
What are some differences between feeling tired and feeling sleepy?
Sleepiness
Sleepiness, or drowsiness, is characterized by the desire tosleep.
Imagine you just finished enjoying a big lunch, accompanied with an alcoholic beverage.
This is a perfect example of the feeling of sleepiness.
A feeling of sleepiness is distinct from fatigue.
Fatigue gives a person the feeling of heaviness felt deep in the bones and the muscles.
Overall, sleep is driven by two processes: the homeostatic sleep drive and the circadian alerting signal.
This increase in sleepiness is sparked by the build-up of a chemical messenger, or neurotransmitter, called adenosine.
Adenosineaccumulates among nerve cells and in thereticular activating systemof the brainstem.
Tiredness
Tiredness can be distinguished as a symptom.
Similar to describing fatigue, the feeling of tiredness is felt deep in the bones and muscles.
It causes feelings of grogginess and tiredness, making it difficult to function.
Sleep inertia can also cause cognitive and psychomotor impairment, making activities like driving potentially dangerous after waking.
The cause of sleep inertia is not fully understood.
Sleep apnea is divided into two main types:obstructive sleep apneaandcentral sleep apnea.
A common symptom of sleep apnea is excessive sleepiness.
Tiredness is considered a phenomenon of PLMD.
PLMS cause fatigue and can reduce physical and mental fitness while awake.
People dealing with PLMD also may experience symptoms like depression and diminished concentration.
This may impair functioning in normal life.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsyoccurs when an individual is unable to stabilize states of sleep and wakefulness.
Some people may be fine with as little as seven hours while others may need well over eight hours.
As long as sleep needs are met, feelings of tiredness should decrease.
Caffeine increases alertness and improves mental processing, which are difficult to maintain when feeling tired or fatigued.
Morning Sunlight
Getting somesunlightin the morning can help adjust our circadian rhythm and sleep patterns.
If direct sunlight is unavailable due to the season or geographical location,sunrise alarm clocksorlightboxescould be resourceful alternatives.
Light at the appropriate time can help adjust the patterns of sleep and wakefulness.
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