30 Days to Better Sleep: Learn the Difference Between Sleepiness and Fatigue

It may seem like semantics, arguing over the meanings of similar words, but it really does matter: What is the difference between sleepiness and fatigue? Not only may discriminating between these distinctive feelings identify different causes, but it may also help to treat insomnia. Some people lose touch with what it feels like to be sleepy. Sleepiness or drowsiness is the extreme desire to fall asleep. Imagine that you are sitting after lunch in your most comfortable chair. You are cozy and relaxed. Your eyelids become heavy, each time they close they stay that way a moment longer. You are ready to doze off. You are sleepy. Contrast this sleepiness with a different collection of words: fatigue, tiredness, exhaustion, and low energy. These sentiments are felt deep in the bones and muscles, a heaviness to the limbs, as if you just ran a marathon. You can't summon the energy to accomplish what you need to. You are physically and mentally dragging through the day. This may occur in the setting of other illness, such as anemia, hypothyroidism, or even cancer. It may even be labeled as chronic fatigue syndrome. No matter how extreme the fatigue, it does not result in sleep. People who feel fatigued may lie down to rest or take a nap. They do not, however, fall asleep. People with extreme sleepiness or drowsiness will be able to sleep if given the opportunity. Why does this matter? Sleepiness often occurs in sleep deprivation among those who get inadequate total sleep time. It...
Source: About Sleep Disorders - Category: Sleep Medicine Source Type: news