how to fight drowsiness

Commit to a Regular Sleep Schedule

Lack of sleep and disturbed sleep are two of the main reasons behind daytime sleepiness. Hence, setting a proper sleeping schedule is one of the best ways to prevent daytime drowsiness. Proper sleep will even help fight low energy, fatigue, depression and stress.

Different people need different amounts of sleep to function well, however an average of 7 to 8 hours of sound sleep is enough to help your body function properly. To help enjoy sound sleep:

Maintain a sleep schedule that has a consistent bedtime and wake time.
Keep your bedroom completely dark to promote restful sleep. If needed, use shades or blinds to block out any exterior light.
Invest in a good quality mattress, comforter and pillows to improve your sleep quality.
Read a book or do some relaxing yoga stretches for about 20 minutes before going to bed.
Limit your screen time staring at computers, TVs or phones in the evening before going to bed.

Begin Your Day with Sunlight

Expose yourself to some sunlight every day. This will help keep you alert and energetic throughout the day and fight daytime sleepiness. In fact, sunlight helps regulate sleep-wake cycle as it helps your brain register that it is time to wake up.

Sunlight also helps the body produce vitamin D. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine suggests that vitamin D deficiency could be associated with sleep problems, particularly daytime sleepiness. However, a well-designed future study is needed to come to a concrete conclusion.

When you wake up in the morning, go for a walk in the open air and enjoy sun exposure for at least 15 minutes. Do not apply any sunscreen during this time.

Splash Cold Water on your Face

Whenever you feel drowsy, splash some cold water on your face. The sudden change in temperature helps dispel that sleepy feeling and improve your energy level as well as mental focus.

After splashing your face with cold water, stand in front of the cold draft from an air conditioner to make this water therapy even more effective.

You can even take a cool shower in the morning to help drive out sleepiness and also improve your blood circulation.

Drink Green Tea after Waking Up

Green tea gives you a boost of energy and stamina that last for hours and prevent drowsiness. It is even effective at fighting fatigue and stress while improving mental focus. In addition, the polyphenols in it help promote better sleep.

Drink a cup of green tea after waking up and a few more cups throughout the day. To make green tea:

Add 1 teaspoon of green tea leaves to a cup of hot water.
Cover and steep for 5 minutes.
Strain, sweeten with honey and drink it.