Introduction
Have you ever felt extremely sleepy around someone you love? It’s not uncommon for individuals to feel drowsy or exhasted around their partners or loved ones. Feeling sleepy can affect everyday life and even affect relationship dynamics. In this article, we’ll explore why you get sleepy around someone you love, the science behind it, and tips to help you stay awake and alert.
The Science of Sleepiness
Our bodies release a chemical called oxytocin when we feel love and affection. Oxytocin helps to promote relaxation and makes us feel calm and sleepy. The link between comfort and sleep is another reason why we tend to feel drowsy around loved ones. Our minds equate comfort with relaxation and in turn with sleep. There have been various scientific studies on oxytocin and its role in sleep. According to researchers, “Oxytocin functioned as a sleep-promoting substance, in the sense that the variations of circulatory oxytocin levels parallel the homeostatic regulation of sleep-wakefulness.”
Relating Sleepiness to Stress
Stress is known to affect our energy levels and contribute towards a lack of attention or exhaustion. The same applies when we are around loved ones. Combatting stress and identifying its various factors can help us maintain alertness around our loved ones. Effective stress management techniques like breathing exercises, meditation and regular workout routines can also make a difference in our daily energy levels.
Unconscious Comfortability
Our minds and bodies become accustomed to certain objects or routines, such as a beloved family heirloom or a favorite relaxation technique, that bring us comfort and calm. Comfort takes over us and mental exhaustion is common – especially when we are around the people we love for long periods. Maintaining comfortable surroundings and, taking breaks in between long periods of time with loved ones can help keep your energy levels in check. It is vital to be aware of the situation, and not let the drowsiness creep up on us to a great extent.
Sleep Disorders and Loved Ones
Sleep disorders can disrupt both mental health and the physical energy levels of a person. They can make it hard to stay awake around loved ones. Certain sleep disorders like sleep apnea, narcolepsy and insomnia require professional treatment and changes in lifestyle. Sleep disorders can affect anyone, irrespective of age or gender, and should not be ignored. A proper diagnosis and professional treatment can significantly improve the quality of our sleep and help us fight off sleepiness.
Social Pressure and Energy Levels
Social pressure can also play a part in feeling sleepy around loved ones. Pressure from society to act or respond a certain way can lead to stress and exhaustion we may not be aware of. Managing social pressure is important, and breaking away from the preset patterns of being present around family and loved ones may make a difference. It is essential to keep our energy levels high, despite social pressure, to maintain active consistent presence and lead a healthy relationship with our loved ones.
Our Internal Clocks
Our circadian rhythms or internal clocks play a major role in our energy levels and sleep-wake cycles. Factors like age, work schedules and lifestyle habits can affect our internal clocks and in turn, make us sleepy around loved ones. To maintain optimal sleep and wakeful hours, maintaining a sleep routine and other activities that have a definitive start and end routine can be incorporated. Additionally, keeping to a specific meal time, or regulating intake of caffeine can also help regulate our internal clocks.
The Psychological Reasons
Our attachment theory and psychological connections have a great impact on our behavior and emotions. The connections we have with our loved ones generate feelings of comfort, ease, and security. When we are around them for a long time, we tend to feel the comfort and safety of home and our minds drift towards sleeping. To overcome this, we need to maintain a proper balance between our emotions and energy levels. We can also incorporate activities that might steer us away from the comfort of home and engage us in energetic means of memories and interactions.
Conclusion
Feeling sleepy around our loved ones is a common phenomenon that can affect our everyday lives and relationships. Exploring different scientific, psychological and behavioral reasons to combat the drowsy feeling is vital. Incorporating tips like maintaining a sleep and meal routine, practicing relaxation techniques, and adjusting lifestyle habits can help fight sleepiness and maintain an active and healthy relationship with our loved ones.