4 min learnNew DelhiAug 12, 2026 11:00 PM IST
We’ve all nodded off on the sofa after a protracted day. However what if it occurs virtually each night—even whereas watching your favorite film at your common viewing time? In response to sleep skilled Dr Chris Winter, that isn’t one thing to dismiss as easy fatigue.
Talking on The Tamsen Present Podcast, Dr Winter stated that struggling to remain awake throughout routine night actions might be an vital warning signal.
“Should you’re sitting and watching a film throughout your regular movie-watching time, not late at night time, and also you’re struggling to remain awake, that’s kind of the don’t move go. Go on to a main care physician.”
DISCLAIMER: This text is predicated on info from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to. All the time seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
He pressured that persistent daytime sleepiness deserves medical consideration slightly than self-diagnosis. “If the first care physician is just not making an enormous deal about that, simply go on to a sleep specialist… I all the time prefer to contain a main care physician. They’re sort of the quarterback.”
However when does atypical tiredness develop into one thing extra severe? Dr Yogesh Godge, Advisor Neurologist, Jupiter Hospital, Thane, explains.
When is daytime sleepiness a crimson flag?
Feeling sleepy after an exhausting day or a number of nights of poor sleep is regular. Nonetheless, commonly dozing off throughout actions that ought to preserve you alert is one other matter altogether.
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“It’s solely regular to really feel drowsy after a protracted day or throughout an unusually busy week. Nonetheless, you ought to be involved in the event you incessantly nod off whereas engaged in actions that should require your alertness, for instance when watching a movie, studying, attending conferences, and even when speaking to anyone,” says Dr Godge.
Even getting the advisable quantity of sleep doesn’t essentially mean you’re getting restorative sleep.
“If you end up managing about seven to 9 hours’ sleep every night time however but discover it troublesome to remain awake on most days, it’s doable that your mind is just not receiving restorative sleep.”
In response to Dr Godge, persistent daytime drowsiness shouldn’t be brushed apart.
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“Daytime drowsiness that persists shouldn’t be ignored since it could be an indication of an underlying sleep problem, a neurological situation, or another medical subject.”
He provides that untreated sleep issues can have an effect on reminiscence, focus, temper, work efficiency and even enhance the chance of highway visitors accidents.
Why do some folks really feel sleepy regardless of sleeping sufficient?
“The hours that an individual spends in mattress don’t essentially point out the standard of their sleep,” explains Dr Godge.
“One of the crucial frequent causes is obstructive sleep apnea, wherein repeated pauses in respiration interrupt the sleep despite the fact that the person is just not conscious of them.”
Different medical circumstances can even depart you exhausted in the course of the day. “Additional causes could also be stressed legs syndrome, narcolepsy, varied neurological issues, thyroid issues, melancholy, uncontrolled diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, and the unwanted effects of medicines corresponding to antihistamines or sure painkillers.”
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Way of life habits additionally play a big position. “An irregular sleep schedule, alcohol, and spending an excessive amount of time in entrance of screens earlier than going to mattress can all decrease the standard of sleep.”
When must you see a sleep specialist?
Attempting to enhance your sleep routine is an efficient first step, however persistent signs warrant a medical analysis. “If, regardless of following good sleep habits, you proceed to feel sleepy during the day for more than a few weeks, you need to search medical recommendation,” says Dr Godge.
He recommends consulting a health care provider in the event you expertise:
* Loud loud night breathing
* Choking or gasping throughout sleep
* Frequent night-time awakenings
* Morning complications
* Problem staying asleep
* Waking up feeling unrefreshed
* Sudden sleep assaults
* Drowsiness whereas driving
DISCLAIMER: This text is predicated on info from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to. All the time seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
