When I stay awake for more than 20 hours straight, my heart beats more strongly, even when im staying still. Why does it cause me to feel exhausted, as if i were putting in physical effort?

Answer 1

Staying awake for extended periods, such as more than 20 hours, can have several physiological effects on the body that contribute to the sensations you're experiencing.

1. Stress Response: Prolonged wakefulness can activate the body's stress response system, leading to the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This can increase your heart rate and make your heart feel like it's beating more strongly, even when you are at rest.

2. Fatigue and Exhaustion: Lack of sleep can significantly affect your cognitive and physical functioning. Your body needs sleep to repair and rejuvenate itself. When you are awake for too long, you may feel physically and mentally drained, which can manifest as exhaustion similar to what you experience after physical exertion.

3. Increased Heart Rate: The combination of stress, lack of sleep, and increased mental activity can elevate your heart rate. This increase can be perceived as your heart beating more strongly or forcefully, even when your body is not physically active.

4. Cognitive Load: Staying awake for long periods may also increase cognitive demand. Your brain works harder to stay alert, which can lead to mental fatigue and an overall sense of exhaustion as your body tries to compensate for the lack of restorative sleep.

5. Dehydration and Nutrition: Extended wakefulness can affect your hydration and nutritional status, which can contribute to feelings of fatigue. If you’re not also managing your food and fluid intake during these long periods, you may experience an exacerbation of these feelings.

6. Changes in Circadian Rhythm: Prolonged wakefulness can disrupt your circadian rhythms, leading to feelings of disorientation and tiredness. This dislocation can further impact how rested you feel and may contribute to increased heart rate and fatigue.

Overall, it's a combination of physiological, psychological, and metabolic changes that lead to the sensations you're experiencing when you stay awake for extended periods. It's crucial to prioritize sleep to maintain your health and well-being.