What deficiency causes too much sleep

Conditions make you sleepy

Have you ever been in a situation where you keep on yawning uncontrollably even after having a good night’s sleep? Know that you are not all alone. Many times, you might think that high screen time or late-night work is the culprit, but it could also be linked to a medical condition. 

Your body might be telling you secrets through your eyelids. It could be a vitamin deficiency or even a medical condition leading to excessive deficiency. 

In this blog post, we will explore some surprising medical conditions that may be contributing to daytime sleepiness. Also, we will know how to deal with these conditions and get back to normal sleep. 

Deficiency of which vitamin causes too much sleep

Excessive sleep, also known as hypersomnia, is characterized by a persistent feeling of sleepiness. It can also be directly linked to a deficiency in vitamins. And some of these deficiencies can also cause lower energy levels, fatigue, and drowsiness. The most common vitamin-related causes are: 

Vitamin D deficiency: 

• Vitamin D is crucial for regulating mood and metabolism. 

• Having a lower level of vitamin D can be a major cause of fatigue, sleepiness, and even depression. And all of this could eventually lead to excessive sleep. 

• All of this could be the result of lesser sun exposure, poor dietary intake, or liver and kidney disorders. 

Vitamin B12 deficiency: 

• B12 is believed to enhance the production of red blood cells and maintain neurological function. Hence, a deficiency of B12 can lead to less oxygen delivery to tissues. 

• It could further cause fatigue, greater amounts of sleep, and memory issues. One might also experience brain fog at certain times. 

• Causes of vitamin B12 deficiency are a vegan diet, pernicious anemia, and reduced gut absorption. 

Vitamin B6 deficiency: 

• B6 is a necessary vitamin that can regulate the production of serotonin and melatonin. Both of these hormones can affect sleep and mood. 

• Low levels of these hormones can adversely affect sleep and can lead to vivid dreaming or nightmares. Also, one might experience daytime fatigue. 

• Other symptoms might include mood swings, trouble concentrating, and irritation throughout the day. 

Folate deficiency: 

• Folate, or vitamin B9 is essential for the production of energy and brain health. It could result in megaloblastic anemia. People suffering from this condition require more sleep, feel weakness, and experience mental fog. 

• Consuming alcohol or having a poor diet are primary causes of vitamin B9 deficiency. 

• Pale skin or headaches can also be an indication of folate deficiency. 

Iron deficiency: 

• Iron is necessary for maintaining haemoglobin levels. Hence, lower levels of this pigment could carry less oxygen, making you feel sleepy and exhausted. 

• One might also experience shortness of breath and pale pr yellowish skin due to iron deficiency. 

• Iron deficiency can be resolved through careful eating habits and supplements. 

How much is too much sleep? 

This is one of the most appropriate questions, but the answer to it varies with age. It might also depend on your lifestyle. For generalization purposes, having about 9-10 hours of sleep per night for adults is “too much sleep”. 

And if you sleep for these many hours regularly and still feel tired, it can be a problem. You need to use medications like Modafinil for Excessive Sleepiness. 

Age Group Recommended Sleep Duration

• Infants (0–1 yr) 12–16 hours (including naps)
• Toddlers (1–2 yrs) 11–14 hours
• Preschoolers 10–13 hours
• School-age (6–12) 9–12 hours
• Teenagers sleep (13–18) 8–10 hours
• Adults (18–64) 7–9 hours
• Seniors (65+) 7–8 hours

How is vitamin deficiency treated?

Treating vitamin deficiency will depend on which one your body lacks. Also, you have to be aware of the severity of the deficiency. Check if it is due to your lifestyle, diet, or a medical condition. Here are more details: 

• Vitamin D 

One can treat vitamin D deficiency with supplements prescribed by doctors. Also, getting exposed to the sun for 30-40 minutes a day without sunscreen for 3-4 days a week is helpful. Consume fatty fish, eggs, and dairy products for a better diet approach. 

• Vitamin B12 

Again, oral supplements can be a helpful way to recover from a Vitamin B12 deficiency. Take injections as advised by doctors, either weekly or monthly. Consume foods such as meat, eggs, fish, dairy products, and cereals. 

• Folate 

Vitamin B9 or folate can be recovered through supplements or diet changes. Start consuming leafy vegetables, lentils, oranges, and fortified grains. 

• Iron deficiency: 

Supplements for iron deficiency are a great option. Or else you can consume red meat, pumpkin seeds, spinach, and beans. You can also consume Vitamin C-rich foods that enhance the absorption of iron. 

• Vitamin B6 

Again, B6 levels can be enhanced through supplements as per the doctor’s guidance. Foods such as poultry, bananas, chickpeas, and fortified cereals can also help. 

Sleeping too much causes

Sleeping too much, which can also be called hypersomnia, might feel harmless, but regularly sleeping for more than 10 hours can be a sign of health issues. Check with your doctor for conditions like: 

• Vitamin deficiencies (like B12, D, or iron)
• Thyroid disorders
• Sleep apnea
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Mental health disorders
• Side effects of medications

How to stop feeling sleepy?

If you are feeling sleepy all the time, know that you are not alone. Also, there’s good news that it’s fixable once the cause is known. With medications like  Waklert 150, one can easily deal with oversleeping. Here’s a guide with multiple ways to fix excessive sleepiness: 

Quick Fixes 

• Get sunbathing for 15-30 minutes in the morning.  
• Drink enough water to avoid fatigue. 
• Take a nap of 10-20 minutes. 
• Exercise or do light stretching regularly. 
• Avoid consuming caffeine after 2 PM. 

Long-Term solutions 

• Sleep for 7-9 hours daily at the same time 
• Eat a balanced diet that provides all necessary vitamins. 
• Use medications like Artvigil 150, but after a doctor’s prescription. 
• Get your blood test and check for a vitamin deficiency. 
• Keep on exercising daily. 
• Avoid having screentime before bed. 

If sleepiness persists even after following these tips, you can check for: 

• Vitamin deficiencies
• Sleep apnea
• Thyroid issues
• Depression or anxiety

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