Are you feeling lazy most days? Read how your sleep patterns cause lethargy and how you can feel energetic again
Do you find yourself hitting the snooze button more often than not? Do you struggle to muster the energy to tackle even the simplest tasks? If you've been caught in the clutches of lazy days, worry not, for you're not alone.
We've all experienced those moments when the allure of staying in bed or binge-watching our favourite shows seems far more appealing than crossing items off our to-do list.
Once you fall into the trap, you wake up grumpy, tired and unwilling to take on the day. Even if you get a good night’s sleep, you still crave more sleep and long to hit the bed.
Ever wondered why this happens? Well, we all have. Let’s unravel the mystery for you in this blog.
Why are you lethargic even after a night's sleep?
Imagine your body as a finely tuned orchestra, with each instrument representing a different biological process. The conductor of this symphony is your circadian rhythm – an internal clock that governs your sleep-wake cycle.
Like a conductor guiding musicians through a complex composition, your circadian rhythm orchestrates the intricate dance of hormones and neurotransmitters that regulate sleep. Disrupt this rhythm, and you're in for a discordant performance.
Role of Melatonin
One key player in this symphony is melatonin – the sleep-inducing hormone. As the sun sets, your body's melatonin production ramps up, signalling that it's time to wind down. In a world filled with artificial lights and late-night Netflix binges, your body's melatonin cues can be easily confused, disrupting sleep.
So, that late-night episode might be more than just a cliffhanger – it could contribute to your daytime fatigue.
REM and Non-REM Sleep
Sleep isn't a monotonous activity; it's a dynamic process consisting of different stages, including Rapid Eye Movement (REM) and Non-REM sleep. REM sleep is when dreams unfold and cognitive restoration takes place, while Non-REM sleep focuses on physical recovery.
Disruptions in these stages can leave you feeling like a puzzle with missing pieces – mentally and physically incomplete.
The Smartphone Conundrum
In today's digital age, smartphones are practically an extension of our bodies. Yet, that late-night scrolling through social media can wreak havoc on your sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by screens suppresses melatonin production, delaying your body's natural transition into sleep mode. Before you know it, you're caught in a cycle of restlessness that leaves you lethargic during the day.
Stress, Cortisol, and Sleep
Picture this: a demanding work deadline, a looming presentation, or personal worries keeping you up at night. Enter cortisol – the stress hormone.
While cortisol is crucial in fight-or-flight situations, chronically elevated levels can disrupt your sleep patterns. It's like having an alarm clock that goes off at all the wrong times, leaving you feeling drained and sluggish.
Gut-Sleep Connection
Surprisingly, your gut health plays a pivotal role in determining the quality of your sleep. The gut microbiome, a community of microorganisms in your digestive tract, influences various bodily functions, including sleep regulation.
Disruptions in your gut flora, often caused by a poor diet or stress, can send ripples through your sleep cycle, leaving you feeling anything but refreshed in the morning.
Sleep debt after being chronically sleep deprived
The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7-9 hours of sleep for adults, but studies show that a staggering 35% of adults sleep less than 7 hours a night. That's like trying to run a marathon with only one shoe on – you can do it, but it won't be pretty, and you'll end up injured.
Sleep debt isn't just about feeling groggy and irritable the next day – it's a silent saboteur that can wreak havoc on your physical and mental health.
Chronic sleep debt has been linked to a laundry list of health concerns, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even a weakened immune system. Your brain isn't spared either – lack of sleep can impair cognitive function, memory, and decision-making abilities.
When you're sleep-deprived, your stress hormone cortisol goes into overdrive, leaving you in a perpetual fight-or-flight state. This contributes to a cycle where stress impedes sleep, and sleep debt fuels stress.
Breaking the Cycle
Now that we've unravelled the web of disrupted sleep, let's explore how to break the cycle of lethargy. It starts with a commitment to prioritise sleep.
Create a sleep-conducive environment by dimming lights before bedtime and establishing a relaxing pre-sleep routine. Limit screen time, especially before bed, and consider meditation or deep breathing exercises to calm your mind.
Regular exercise can also do wonders for your sleep patterns. Physical activity helps regulate hormones, reduces stress, and tires out your body – a recipe for a good night's sleep. Just remember to avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime to prevent an unwanted energy boost.
And of course, your diet matters. Opt for balanced meals rich in nutrients that support sleep, like magnesium and tryptophan. Avoid heavy, greasy meals close to bedtime, as they can lead to discomfort and indigestion that disrupt your slumber.
The Mattress Factor for Fabulous Sleep
The latest innovation in sleep technology – UK’s first and only smartGRID mattresses by HiGRID - The Sleep Company is a fine addition to your bedroom to get uninterrupted sleep.
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Ideal for all weathers, all ages, body types and needs. You don’t have to worry about tossing and turning in your bed anymore. Once you feel this comfortable on the feather-like mattress, you’ll drift off in no time.
Grab them while they’re still available at upto 45% off. Head to HiGRID - The Sleep Company right now!
