3 Reasons Why You're Always Sleepy
I think we can all agree that some days are just generally sleepier than others. There isn't really any specific reason as to why, but we find ourselves yawning periodically throughout the day, despite multiple cups of coffee on top of what you considered to be a pretty good night's sleep. By 3 pm, your eyelids are feeling especially droopy and you're finding it extraordinarily difficult to concentrate on the task at hand. So what causes this seemingly out-of-nowhere tired feeling? Well, there could be multiple explanations for it and, below, you'll find a few common possibilities:
#1: You've skipped your workouts.
When you're feeling tired, the motivation to head to the gym after a long day at work just isn't there (and that's completely understandable, am I right?). The unfortunate part, however, is that your lack of exercise could actually potentially be the culprit behind your inexplicably sleepy days. Exercise gets your blood pumping, which then delivers oxygen to your brain. And when you have a sufficient amount of oxygen circulating in your brain, you tend to feel more awake and alert during your day. If it's just not feasible to get a workout in at the end of your day, consider taking a brisk stroll when you wake up in the morning, instead.
#2: You aren't drinking enough water.
There is little that can make you feel drowsy quite like being dehydrated. Being even just a tad on the dry side can sap you of significant amounts of energy that you would have otherwise, since dehydration ultimately can cause a drop in blood volume which, in turn, causes everything else to work less effectively. Drink a tall glass of water first thing in the morning to get things running smoothly, and then aim to drink about 64 ounces (eight eight-ounce glasses) of water or tea throughout the remainder of your day.
#3: You skipped breakfast.
When your mother told you that breakfast was the most important meal of the day, she wasn't kidding. Eating a wholesome and balanced meal in the morning can provide you with the fuel that you need in order to stay focused and productive until lunchtime. Amy Goodson, RD, a dietitian for Texas Health Ben Hogan Sports Medicine, says, "Eating breakfast is like starting a fire in your body by kick-starting your metabolism". Try to get a good combination of whole grains and protein in order to keep you feeling satisfied through your morning.