Do you ever wake up in the morning and find it incredibly difficult to get out of bed, even if you've had a full night's sleep? If so, you're not alone. Many people experience this sensation, often dismissing it as mere laziness. However, there's a term for this struggle- dysania, which is not yet medically established but is definitely gaining mass popularity.
“The term Dysania is not yet a medically verified term, but it is used to represent the symptoms of extreme unwillingness or incapability to get out of bed in the morning,” shared Dr Sayantani Mukherjee, Consultant, Psychiatry, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi while talking to the team of OnlyMyHealth. A study published in the Public Library of Science defined Dysania as ‘the need to stay in bed without sleeping,’ and informed that it may have associations with depression.
What is Dysania?
Dysania is not a widely recognised medical condition, but it describes a very real and relatable feeling. Isolating lethargy as the root cause of dysania, Dr Mukherjee shared, “People who experience dysania often feel a sense of overwhelming tiredness, fatigue, or a lack of motivation upon waking up, making the act of leaving their cosy haven seem nearly impossible.”
Some may characterise dysania as laziness. However, Dr Mukherjee shared that it is not so. “It's crucial to distinguish dysania from laziness. While the two may seem similar on the surface, they stem from different sources. Laziness is a conscious choice or lack of willpower to complete tasks, while dysania is a genuine struggle to physically and mentally mobilise oneself after sleep,” she underscored.
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Informing our team about the factors that might be the cause of your dysania, she listed:
- Sleep Disorders: Conditions like insomnia, sleep apnea, or restless leg syndrome can disrupt sleep quality, leaving individuals feeling excessively fatigued in the morning.
- Mental Health Issues: Mental health issues, such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or anxiety, can lead to overwhelming fatigue and a lack of motivation, making it harder to get out of bed.
- Substance Abuse: Substance abuse issues can manifest dysania, as it inebriates you from being able to function in the morning. Long-time substance use alters the brain's biochemistry and disrupted brain chemicals can induce lethargy in the morning.
- Stress: High levels of stress can result in poor sleep quality, causing dysania in the morning.
- Chronic Illnesses: Certain chronic illnesses, such as fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, can cause persistent fatigue that makes waking up challenging, and might put you in a state of dysania.
- Other Lifestyle Factors: Irregular sleep patterns, poor diet, lack of exercise, or excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption can also contribute to dysania. Other factors like jet lag, or working on a night shift throw the natural body clock into havoc and can lead to dysania.
Dysania Treatment
Talking about the methods to cope with dysania, Dr Mukherjee informed, “For treating dysania, the first thing is to find out what exactly is causing it. Because it is never an isolated issue, but a symptom of something deeper. It generally comes as a part of a psychiatric disorder or substance abuse.”
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Hence it is advised to consult a healthcare professional to rule out possible mental or physical illnesses. If it turns out that lifestyle issues or stress is causing your dysania, there are strategies you can employ to make waking up in the morning a bit easier:
- Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends, to regulate your body's internal clock.
- Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Wind down before bed with calming activities like reading, gentle stretching, or meditation.
- Limit Screen Time: Avoid screens (phones, TVs, computers) at least an hour before bedtime, as the blue light can interfere with your sleep.
- Stay Active: Regular exercise can improve sleep quality and overall energy levels.
- Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: These substances can disrupt sleep, so try to consume them in moderation.
In conclusion, the coping strategies mentioned above are an attempt to help you create the perfect, serene atmosphere that will relax you enough to help you transition to a deep slumber. However, since everyone has access to different levels of resources, try to customise your sleep time schedule and environment to the best of your ability.
Dysania is a common but often overlooked struggle that many people face. It's essential to recognise that this feeling is not necessarily a sign of laziness but could be a symptom of underlying health issues or lifestyle factors. By implementing healthy sleep habits and seeking help when needed, you can overcome dysania and start your mornings with more energy and enthusiasm. Remember, there is no shame in seeking help from healthcare professionals or therapists if dysania persists and significantly impacts your daily life. Your well-being is worth the effort to break irrational societal taboos.
