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Why you're waking up feeling groggy during lockdown

The coronavirus lockdown has forced many to adjust to a slower pace of life, working from home and staying at home whenever possible.

And while ditching the dreaded commute and enjoying a longer lie-in should be leaving us feeling bright eyed and bushy tailed, many of us have never felt so groggy.

Woman yawning at wakeup turning off alarm clock
Many are waking feeling groggy during the coronavirus lockdown. Photo: Getty Images

Coronavirus: Why are we waking feeling groggy during lockdown?

With socialising off the table, day-to-day life may be feeling pretty monotonous.

Many are trying to embrace the extra time to read, watch films and complete odd jobs around the house, however, the disruption to our routine can affect how we sleep.

“If you’re feeling groggy, it’s likely because your routine has changed and you’ve disturbed your circadian rhythm [body clock],” sleep expert Dr Neil Stanley told Yahoo UK.

Our highly-sensitive body clock can also be affected by reduced physical activity and Vitamin D exposure as we spend more time indoors.

Aussies are permitted to exercise outdoors, but must maintain a two metre distance from anyone they do not live with.

Young business woman working from home wearing protective mask
Aussies have been told to work from home, if possible, during the coronavirus outbreak. Photo: Getty Images

Health officials have recommended people take a vitamin D supplement to keep levels topped up during lockdown.

Reduced social contact may also be leaving many feeling unstimulated mentally.

“Humans are hardwired to be social beings and we thrive on social connection, co-operation, competition and love,” Liz Ritchie, psychotherapist at St Andrew’s Healthcare, previously told Yahoo UK.

“In the midst of lockdown, our lives have changed immeasurably and we find ourselves living a kind of surreal existence dominated by isolation, high alert, anxiety and unease about what might happen as a result of this pandemic.

“The intense anxiety about the uncertainty can cause us to feel tired, reduce our energy levels, cause physical or mental exhaustion and a lack of motivation.”

Coronavirus: How to wake feeling less groggy in lockdown

A lie-in mid-week may feel unnatural, but could be key to starting the day with a spring in your step.

“Interestingly, 23andMe recently revealed our average natural genetic wake up time is 7.55am, but it hasn’t always been possible to sleep in that long as we generally need to be out of the house by then to get to work,” said Dr Stanley.

“Now we’re in lockdown for a prolonged period of time, those who can should try to take advantage of a little lie-in as it may improve how you feel in the mornings.”

Factoring in your new lie-in, try and stick to a set bed and wake time.

Sick woman having flu or cold. Girl lying in bed with cat having headache wearing protective mask by pills and water on table.
Make sure you make use of that weekly lie-in. Photo: Getty Images

“Your brain will soon anticipate your waking and be ready to hit the ground running,” said Dr Stanley.

“This means you won’t have to rely on an alarm clock, which startles you from sleep and increases stress levels.

“I’d also recommend drinking a glass of water first thing to help rehydrate you in the morning and getting exposure to sunlight soon after waking to help you feel more sprightly.”

If you find your sleep is being disturbed, taking a break from all the doom and gloom could put you in a more zen state of mind.

“Make sure you take your ‘laughter supplements’”, Dr Meg Aroll, chartered psychologist for Healthspan, previously told Yahoo UK.

“This can be whatever brings a smile to your face such as silly cat videos on YouTube, a comedy boxset on Netflix or organising a ‘dad joke’ competition with friends on WhatsApp.

“Laughter boosts mood and can give us respite from intrusive and negative thoughts.”

Words by Alexandra Thompson

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