Spring has arrived, and many people experience springtime drowsiness, leading to the habit of oversleeping during the day. However, this practice is actually very detrimental to health. Be vigilant about the following seven conditions.
Daytime sleepiness is not beneficial—beware of these seven conditions
1. Heart Disease
The brain serves as the body's "command center," constantly regulating all organs. Brain tissue is highly sensitive to ischemia and hypoxia. Typically, approximately one-fifth of the blood pumped by the heart
is supplied to the brain. Therefore, brain metabolism is significantly influenced by cardiac contraction function.When middle-aged or elderly individuals develop heart disease, reduced cardiac output leads to cerebral ischemia and hypoxia, causing symptoms like lethargy and excessive sleepiness. If accompanied by palpitations, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or dizziness—especially if symptoms worsen with activity and improve with rest—it's advisable to undergo cardiac screening such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or echocardiogram.
II. Anemia
Anemia can occur at any age, with fatigue and drowsiness being the most common early symptoms. Additional signs may include dizziness, headaches, tinnitus, blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, and pallor. If excessive sleepiness is accompanied by pallor, it is advisable to undergo a complete blood count (CBC) or anemia panel at a hospital for prompt diagnosis and targeted treatment.
III. Cerebrovascular Disease
In middle-aged and elderly individuals, cerebral arteriosclerosis can lead to insufficient blood supply to the brain. Thrombosis may even cause cerebral infarction, resulting in oxygen and blood deprivation in brain tissue. Over time, this impairs normal brain function, manifesting as persistent drowsiness. Such patients may also experience dizziness, headaches, and limb numbness or weakness.
IV. Sleep Apnea Syndrome
This condition is common among middle-aged and elderly men who are obese or have unhealthy habits like excessive alcohol consumption. Snoring is one of the most typical symptoms. Due to upper airway obstruction caused by certain factors, breathing pauses occur during sleep, leading to oxygen deprivation. This prevents proper organ repair, resulting in daytime fatigue and excessive sleepiness.If experiencing these issues, it is advisable to assess for sleep apnea and seek treatment if necessary.
V. Hypothyroidism This condition presents subtly, primarily caused by thyroid dysfunction leading to abnormal thyroid hormone levels. Symptoms include drowsiness and excessive sleepiness, alongside lethargy, reluctance to engage in activities, limb swelling, memory and cognitive decline, and slowed reactions.If lethargy and fatigue are accompanied by forgetfulness or mood swings, hypothyroidism should be suspected. VI. Liver Disease Fatigue and loss of appetite are key clinical features of liver disease.If fatigue and drowsiness occur alongside symptoms like yellowish, rough skin, nausea, aversion to greasy foods, or post-meal bloating, promptly seek medical evaluation with virological testing, liver function tests, and liver ultrasound to rule out liver disease. 7. Diabetes Some individuals with type 2 diabetes present with initial symptoms such as generalized weakness, excessive sleepiness, and mental lethargy.This occurs because glucose cannot be fully oxidized, leading to tissue dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Therefore, obese individuals and those with a family history of diabetes should undergo regular blood glucose monitoring for early detection and treatment. Daytime sleepiness is not a positive sign. We've now covered seven conditions to watch for. We hope this information proves helpful. Finally, we wish you good health and smooth sailing this spring.