Digital Worldwide News
Top reasons for waking up tired in the morning- stress and genes are part of the problem
20th August 2024
Ever wondered why you sometimes wake up feeling more exhausted even after a full night’s sleep? You’re not alone. This puzzling question has sparked quite a buzz online, with curious minds flooding forums and social media for answers. Let’s dive into why this happens and what you can do about it.
The Curious Case of Extra Sleep
You might think that catching up on sleep should leave you feeling refreshed, but for some, it’s quite the opposite. TikToker Nathan Beaudinn and Reddit users have shared their surprise at feeling more energized with less sleep. Their stories raise eyebrows and spark intrigue—what's going on?
Recent studies show that the ideal amount of sleep for most people is between seven to nine hours a night. This is crucial for both mental and physical health. But here’s the twist: sometimes, oversleeping or varying your sleep patterns can actually make you feel more tired.
The Science Behind the Sleep Struggle
According to Dr. Ankit Parekh, a sleep expert, your brain works harder to keep you alert when you don’t get enough sleep. This compensatory mechanism can trick you into feeling more awake, even though you’re running on empty. Dr. Parekh’s research on sleep apnea patients reveals that the brain's increased effort to stay alert might be why you feel unexpectedly energetic despite a lack of rest.
Dr. Sam A. Kashani from UCLA Health explains that our brains and bodies are designed to adapt to various stressors. This means that even when sleep-deprived, your system tries to keep you functional, albeit at a cost. It’s like your body’s way of saying, “I’m fine, really,” even when it’s not.
Hormones and Sleep Cycles: The Plot Thickens
When you sleep less, your body produces more stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can make you feel temporarily alert. However, this is a double-edged sword. While it might boost your energy in the short term, chronically high cortisol levels can lead to serious health issues, such as high blood pressure and weakened immunity.
Dr. David Rosenberg notes that your cortisol levels should naturally peak in the morning and decrease throughout the day.
But when you’re sleep-deprived, this cycle gets disrupted. This irregular hormone pattern can leave you feeling off-balance and more tired over time.
The Long-Term Effects of Sleep Deprivation
Studies have shown that consistently getting less sleep can negatively impact cognitive performance, even if you think you’re alert. Research from the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard found that people who sleep poorly often feel awake but perform poorly on tests. It's like thinking you’re in top shape for a marathon after running on empty—you're not fooling anyone, especially not your brain.
The problem with feeling “awake” despite sleep deprivation is that it’s misleading. Your brain is working overtime, making you believe you're alert when, in reality, you’re far from it. This constant struggle can lead to cognitive decline, mood swings, and even physical health problems like heart disease and diabetes.
Anxiety: The Hidden Saboteur
Anxiety can also play a role in how awake you feel. Stressful situations that disrupt your sleep might cause a heightened sense of alertness during the day. This is a tricky cycle—stress keeps you up at night, but it also makes you feel jittery and awake the next day.
Dr. Kashani warns that this cycle of anxiety and sleep deprivation can be hard to break. While you might feel alert temporarily, the long-term effects of poor sleep and high anxiety can catch up with you, impacting your overall well-being.
When Less Sleep Feels Like More
There are rare cases where individuals naturally function well on less sleep. Dr. Parekh mentions “short sleeper syndrome,” a genetic condition where people feel refreshed with just four to six hours of sleep. Famous figures like Margaret Thatcher are rumored to have thrived on minimal sleep, though such cases are exceptionally rare.
For most people, however, the reality is different. Regularly getting less than seven hours of sleep is likely to make you feel more exhausted over time. The immediate boost in alertness is just a temporary fix, not a sustainable solution.