The Best Natural Way to Fight Sleepiness

Feeling sleepy and fatigued throughout the day can put a damper on your productivity level. Drowsiness can slow you down at work, interrupt your sleep cycle and make it unsafe for you to drive. Making a few simple lifestyle changes may help you fight daytime sleepiness, but if you experience continuous fatigue, talk with your health-care provider about your concerns.

Instructions

Fighting Sleepiness

• 1

  Regulate your normal sleeping schedule. If you work Monday through Friday during the day, make yourself go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning. Don't stray away from your sleep schedule on the weekends. Staying out late on Friday and Saturday night may make it more difficult for you to get to bed before work on Sunday night.

• 2

  Take a nap. A mid-afternoon snooze helps your body relax and leaves you feeling rejuvenated. Avoid a long sleep session because it can interrupt your sleep at night. Open a window, put on relaxing music and set your alarm for 30 minutes. This is just enough time to allow you to clear your mind and cure some of your daytime sleepiness.

• 3

  Stay well hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of water. Dehydration causes you to feel sluggish and causes your body to function less efficiently, the Better Health Channel reports. You may become dehydrated after a long night's sleep. Reaching for a glass of water first thing in the morning can help rehydrate your body so you feel less sleepy a few hours into your shift.

• 4

  Change your eating habits. Eat something for breakfast every morning, even if its as simple as an apple and a piece of whole-wheat toast. Your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which is the primary source of energy for all cells. Without adequate fuel first thing in the morning, you increase your chances of becoming sleepy during the day. Fill your diet with plenty of whole-grain foods, fruits and vegetables, instead of treats from the vending machine. A diet high in fat and sugar may give you a sudden burst of energy, but can leave you feeling drained shortly after.

• 5

  Go outside. Getting some fresh air and exposing yourself to sunlight helps alleviate that afternoon sleepy feeling, especially if your office has a limited amount of windows. Bright light keeps you awake and alert so you are more likely to sleep better throughout the night, says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.