If you’ve ever woken up from a night’s rest feeling a strong sense of confusion, a spike of stress, or even a feeling that’s similar to an adrenaline rush, then you likely know what sleep drunkenness is. Also known as confusion arousal, sleep drunkenness can be a difficult issue to struggle with on a consistent basis, especially since it can make the very start of your day a challenge.
If you struggle with sleep drunkenness, it’s especially important to have a healthy sleep hygiene routine in place so that you’re getting as much quality rest as possible. Whether it’s finding a hybrid mattress that’s going to provide you with comfier sleep, or simply developing a calming routine that’ll have you looking forward to winding down, here’s everything you need to know about sleep drunkenness:
What are the symptoms of sleep drunkenness?
So, how do you know you’re experiencing symptoms of sleep drunkenness? Here are some telltale signs:
- Experiencing high amounts of confusion immediately after waking up
- Reflexes that are identical to being startled
- Slower, slurred speech
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulty concentrating for extended periods of time during the day
If you’re experiencing three or more of these symptoms, especially in the immediate aftermath of waking up, you’re probably dealing with a case of sleep drunkenness.
What causes sleep drunkenness?
There are many reasons you might experience sleep drunkenness. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Inconsistent work-shift. An irregular work schedule is going to make it challenging for your body to maintain a proper sleep schedule.
- Chronic mood disorders. Studies have revealed that those who struggle with mood disorders such as bipolar disorder and anxiety are especially susceptible.
- Drinking alcohol before going to bed. Many studies indicate that drinking has a negative impact on the overall quality of your sleep, and can disrupt your sleep cycle in a harsh way.
- Difficult life events. Even if you don’t have chronic mental disorders, you can still be affected by high periods of stress in your personal life. This might reflect in the quality of your sleep, you might struggle.
- Sleep deprivation, or too much sleep. In one report by the Cleaveland Clinic, the estimate of people who get sleep-drunk due to oversleeping sits at about 15%, whereas those who are sleep deprived will usually get 20%.
How do I deal with sleep drunkenness?
Investing in your sleep hygiene is one of the most important ways you can combat sleep deprivation yourself. Improving your sleep hygiene starts with:
- Finding the best hybrid mattress for your rest. A good hybrid mattress can provide comfort and support when you’re trying to catch up on your sleep. When you’re doing your research on the best hybrid mattresses, there are a couple of things you’ll want to look out for. The reason hybrid mattresses are so often recommended for those who have trouble sleeping is that they’re a versatile sleep solution, helping everything from chronic pain to those who struggle with sufficient comfort.
- Have a warm shower before bedtime. Hot baths can turn down your internal body temperature, inducing sleepiness naturally, and preventing you from spending too much time tossing and turning in bed.
- Drink a cup of herbal tea. Caffeine can be naturally disruptive to your sleep, so trying out a cup of herbal tea before going to bed can actually be naturally soothing and calming to your rest routine.
- Practice mindfulness before going to bed. A highly recommended practice for those who struggle with sleep anxiety, mindfulness can be a great tool you can use to center yourself, and stay feeling calm as you go into your night’s sleep.
Finding a good night’s sleep when you deal with sleep drunkenness can be difficult. Whether it’s investing in a hybrid mattress you know will grant you a good night’s sleep, or simply developing a bedtime routine that works for you, you’re going to find better sleep is on the horizon.