The sound of the alarm clock wakes you up, but instead of feeling refreshed and ready to start the day, you feel grumpy and irritable. You feel like you didn't get enough sleep, and your body feels heavy as you get out of bed. Despite the sun shining through the window, you can't shake off the feeling of dread and negativity. Does this happen often? Instead of feeling refreshed and energetic, do you wake up in a bad mood? If yes, it might be due to several factors at play! "Some people may consistently wake up in a bad mood for a variety of reasons. It could be a result of poor sleep, unresolved mental health problems like depression or anxiety, or persistent stress. Poor diet, inactivity, and excessive alcohol or drug use are some lifestyle choices that might affect how you feel when you wake up," Dr Vijay Kumar Gurjar, Senior Consultant and Head of the Department of Geriatric Medicine, Primus Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi said, adding that it's crucial to recognise and address the root reasons to increase general well-being. The expert highlighted that waking up gloomy and grumpy may also be a sign of certain sleep disorders. "Examples of symptoms of sleep apnea include trouble falling or staying asleep, increased daytime tiredness, numerous nighttime awakenings, snoring, and waking up gasping for air. Other sleep disorders that can result in symptoms like daytime exhaustion, trouble concentrating, and irritability include restless leg syndrome, insomnia, and narcolepsy. If you think you might have a sleeping condition, it's crucial to talk to a doctor," he said. Dr Shivani Swami, Consultant, Pulmonology, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Jaipur said if a person consistently wakes up in a bad mood, it may be worth examining their lifestyle habits, and thought patterns, and seeking medical attention becomes necessary. "Reasons for bad mood may include poor sleep quality due to fatigue, anxiety, stress, and lifestyle habits such as binge watching and eating or poor diet, excessive consumption of alcohol, tobacco products, and caffeine. Moreover, some health conditions such as hormonal imbalances, and chronic pain can affect a person's mood. We have also observed that if a person has a tendency to think negatively or focus on negative experiences, this can also contribute to waking up in a bad mood." Agreeing with Dr Gurjar, she said that a bad mood upon waking up can be an indication of a sleeping disorder such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome (RLS). "Insomnia is a sleep disorder where a person has difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. This can lead to a low mood upon waking up. Sleep apnea is another disorder where a person experiences pauses in breathing during sleep. This can lead to disrupted sleep and a feeling of irritability upon waking up. RLS is a sleep disorder where a person experiences an uncomfortable sensation in their legs that can only be relieved by movement. This can lead to disrupted sleep," she said. Are some people more likely to wake up in a bad mood? Yes, experts said. "Due to things like personality traits and underlying physical or mental health issues, some people may be more inclined to wake up in a negative mood than others. For instance, those with a history of anxiety or sadness may be more likely to have mood swings when they wake up," Dr Rahul Rai Kakkar, Consultant - Psychiatry & Clinical Psychology Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Gurugram said. While waking up feeling fresh and happy may not be achievable every day, as life circumstances and external factors can impact sleep quality and mood, here are habits you must practise, according to Dr Kakkar. *Establish a consistent sleep routine *Create a sleep-conducive environment *Practice relaxation techniques such as Yoga, Pranayama, and meditation *Reduce screen time *Maintain good sleep hygiene: Avoid overeating, alcohol, and caffeine, *Do regular exercise *Avoid naps during the day 📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don't miss out on the latest updates!
