Have you ever felt grouchy or irritable and blamed it on a bad night of sleep? Well, you were not wrong.
Daytime sleepiness can affect a person’s mood as well as their physical health. It is important that you recognize the signs of excessive daytime sleepiness so you can take the necessary steps to address it. You may be dealing with excessive daytime sleepiness if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Irritability
Difficulty focusing on tasks/conversations - Memory issues
- Difficulty learning new things
- Difficulty regulating emotions or mood
- Slower reaction times
- Difficulty making decisions
- Difficulty staying alert and awake
When to Talk with Your Doctor
If you feel sleepy all of the time and it is affecting your life, you should see a doctor and discuss your symptoms. There are many underlying causes that could contribute to your daytime sleepiness.
Sleep disorders, neurological disorders, other health problems, and even medications could be to blame. It is important to start by identifying the amount of sleep you are getting each night and the amount your body needs.
How Much Sleep Do We Actually Need
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are some general guidelines, depending on your age, for the proper amount of sleep you need.
- Birth to 3 months: 14-17 hours (per 24 hours)
- 4 to 11 months: 12-16 hours (per 24 hours)
- 1 to2 years: 11-14 hours (per 24 hours)
- 3 to 5 years: 10-13 hours (per 24 hours)
- 6 to 12 years: 9-12 hours (per 24 hours)
- 13 to 18 years: 8 to 10 hours (per 24 hours)
- 18 to 60 years: 7 or more hours per night
- 61 to 64 years: 7-9 hours
- 65 years and older: 7-8 hours
Remember, these recommendations can vary and not all individuals who are the same age will require the same amount of sleep.
