Chatting on FaceTime can be a great way to spend time with people when you can’t be with them in person. So, why is it we get so sleepy even though we’ve been looking forward to the video call all day?
In fact, it’s actually pretty common to feel sleepy on FaceTime, and there are a few reasons why. For a start, your eyes are having to process information from a screen – which is harder work than talking in real life. You are probably also sat on a bed or couch where you are comfortable and ready to sleep. In this blog post we will explore all the reasons you get sleepy on FaceTime and what to do about it.
Is it normal to feel sleepy on FaceTime?
Yes, it’s really common to feel sleepy on FaceTime. In fact, many people comment that their girlfriend/boyfriend/friend has actually fallen asleep during their videochat.
Falling asleep on the phone is more common than you might think—and there are usually no hard feelings if it happens between friends or loved ones. In fact, many people see it as a sign of comfort and trust! While this may be occasionally frustrating, it’s perfectly normal and there’s usually a simple explanation.
Why does FaceTime make you sleepy?
There’s nothing quite like a long catch-up session with a friend—except when you start to feel sleepy halfway through. If this has happened to you before, you’re not alone. In fact, there are some scientific explanations for why you might get drowsy during a FaceTime call.
Evolution and how your brain responds to faces
The first reason why FaceTime makes us sleepy is that our brains are wired to pay more attention when we are looking at someone’s face, as opposed to just listening to them. This is because in our evolutionary history, it was very important to be able to read people’s expressions and body language. Nowadays, we don’t need to do this so much, but the wiring is still there.
When you are looking at someone’s face on FaceTime, your brain is working hard to process all the visual information – which can be tiring.
Social Presence Theory
Social presence theory is the idea that we tend to feel more connected to people when we can see them, as opposed to just hearing their voice. That’s why video calls can be so beneficial; they allow us to see the other person’s face, which makes us feel more connected to them.
However, there’s a downside to social presence theory. Because we feel more connected to the other person when we can see them, we also tend to feel more invested in the conversation. This can lead to what’s known as “cognitive load”—basically, our brains have to work harder to process all the visual information we’re taking in. As a result, we can start feeling exhausted, even if we were only on the call for a short period of time.
Brain drain
When you’re talking to someone on FaceTime, you’re using a lot of the same brainpower that you would if you were talking to them in person. That means your brain is working hard to process all the visual and auditory information it’s receiving. And guess what? That can be really tiring!
Plus, when you’re looking at someone on a screen, your brain has to adjust the way it’s processing their facial expressions. Studies have shown that this can lead to feelings of mental fatigue. So if you find yourself getting sleepy during a FaceTime call, it’s not necessarily because the person you’re talking to is boring (although that might be part of it!). It could just be your brain working overtime.
How We Perceive Visual Information
When we see something, our brain starts working to process what we’re seeing. This happens because our brains are constantly trying to make sense of the world around us and interpret the visual information that we’re taking in. And, in order to do this, our brains need to use a lot of energy.
You might not realize it, but when you’re looking at something, your brain is actively working to piece together what you’re seeing. For example, when you’re looking at a person’s face on FaceTime, your brain is trying to process all of the different facial features and put them together to form a cohesive image. And, the more FacesTimes you’re on or the more people you’re trying to pay attention to in a video call, the more your brain has to work and the more energy it needs to use.
This excess visual stimulation is also one of the reasons why you fall asleep when watching videos.
Why We Get Sleepy When Our Brain Uses A Lot Of Energy
Have you ever noticed that when you work hard on a project or have an intense conversation, you start feeling sleepy afterwards? That’s because when our brain uses a lot of energy, it starts releasing a chemical called adenosine. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that slows down nerve cell activity and makes us feel tired. So, when we’re using a lot of energy processing information, our brains release adenosine in order to make us feel sleepy and slow down so that we can rest.
This is why we sometimes get sleepier on FaceTime than we do in real life because when we’re trying to process visual information on a screen, our brains have to work harder than they would if we were looking at someone in person.
Hormones
Another reason you might get sleepy on FaceTime is because of hormones. When we’re chatting to people we like and love, our bodies reduce the feel-good hormones oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin.
These hormones elevate your mood and make you feel happy and loved.
This is great and one of the best things about FaceTime chats, but all those hormones racing through our bodies can also be super tiring!
Eye strain
It’s no secret that staring at a screen all day can be draining. But have you ever noticed that you tend to get especially sleepy when you’re on FaceTime? There’s a reason for that! When we look at screens, we blink less often than we would if we were looking at something in real life. This causes our eyes to dry out, which can lead to fatigue and make us feel sleepy.
In addition, staring at a screen for long periods of time can also make us feel sleepy because it causes strain on our eyes which can lead to fatigue. So the next time you find yourself dozing off on FaceTime, remember that it’s not just because you’re tired from your day-to-day activities – it’s also because of the strain that looking at a screen puts on your eyes!
Sitting still (especially on your bed)
When you’re on Facetime (or any video call), you’re effectively sitting in one position for an extended period of time. And when you sit still for too long, your body starts to go into “rest mode.” That’s why you might start to feel drowsy or even fall asleep when you’re on a long Facetime call.
But it’s not just the sitting that makes you sleepy; it’s also the fact that you’re usually in your bed. When we’re in bed, our brains associate that location with sleep, so it’s not surprising that we start to feel tired when we’re on Facetime in bed.
Blue light and sleep patterns
If you find yourself dozing off after a late-night FaceTime call, the blue light emitted by your phone screen could be to blame. This type of light triggers the release of melatonin, a hormone that makes you feel sleepy, in your brain. So, if you’re trying to stave off sleepiness, it’s best to avoid using your phone—or any other devices that emit blue light—in the hours leading up to bedtime.
Dehydration
Dehydration can make you feel tired, even if you’ve been drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day. So, if you notice that you’re nodding off more often than usual, make sure you’re staying hydrated by drinking eight glasses of water per day. And during extended FaceTime sessions, try to take breaks every 20 minutes or so to sip on some water.
Emotional fatigue
If most of your conversations lately have been about negative topics like the current state of the world, it’s no wonder you might be feeling emotionally drained. All that stress can lead to what’s known as “compassion fatigue,” which refers to the exhaustion that comes from caring for others who are going through tough times. If this is something you’re struggling with, know that it’s totally normal—and try to schedule some fun and upbeat FaceTime calls with your loved ones as well.
Sleep deprivation
It’s no secret that lack of sleep can make you feel groggy and exhausted during the day. So, if virtual hangouts are preventing you from getting a good night’s rest, it might be time to scale back on how often you’re using FaceTime and other similar apps.
Chatting into the early hours or staying awake past your normal bed time is not a good idea and isn’t helpful to your sleep. Although you may think you will feel lonely if you don’t videocall, it might be better to prioritize your deep sleep or spending some time relaxing before bed. Try to listen to calm music or a podcast instead. Getting good quality sleep and keeping your energy up is going to be totally understandable to your significant other and shouldn’t harm your relationship.
What does it mean when you fall asleep on the phone with someone?
Have you ever fallen asleep while talking on the phone with someone? Perhaps it was your partner, a close friend, or even a family member. Chances are, you woke up feeling embarrassed, wondering what it meant. Was it a sign that you were tired? Or maybe it was a sign that you were too comfortable around the other person?
1. Comfortable Around Each Other
One of the most common reasons why people fall asleep on the phone is because they’re comfortable around the other person. When we feel safe and relaxed in someone’s company, our bodies naturally want to go into rest mode. That’s why it’s not uncommon to fall asleep when you’re snuggled up in bed with your partner or taking a nap with a close friend.
If you find yourself falling asleep while talking on the phone with someone, it could be a sign that you’re extremely comfortable around them. This is usually a good thing! It means that you trust them and feel safe in their company. And if you’re comfortable enough to fall asleep while chatters away, chances are they’re a really good friend.
2. Miss Each Other
Another common reason for falling asleep on the phone is because you miss the other person. This is often the case when you’re talking to a long-distance friend or loved one. The sound of their voice can be soothing, and before you know it, you’ve drifted off to sleep.
If you find yourself falling asleep while talking to someone who lives far away, it could be a sign that you miss them dearly and appreciate the opportunity to chat—even if it is just over the phone. So, don’t be embarrassed if this happens to you! Just enjoy the moment and savor your conversation (even if it is interrupted by some much-needed rest).
3. Strong Feelings and Emotional Connection
The third and final reason why people fall asleep on the phone is because they have strong feelings for the other person—whether it’s platonic love, romantic love, or familial love. In fact, many experts believe that this phenomenon is caused by “feel-good” hormones like oxytocin and endorphins that are released when we experience positive emotions like happiness, love, or joy. These hormones have been known to make people feel sleepy or tired.
So, if you find yourself falling asleep while talking to someone who stirs up strong emotions within you—whether it’s your best friend from childhood or your new partner—it could be a sign that you have a deep connection with them. And there’s nothing wrong with that! In fact, it might even be considered a compliment. After all, not everyone can make us feel so relaxed and content that we drift off into dreamland!
How to stop feeling tired on FaceTime
Move around
If you start to feel drowsy while you’re on FaceTime, try to get up and move around. Walking around or doing some light stretching can help increase your energy levels and keep you from falling asleep.
Change your environment
If you’re feeling tired, it might be because you’re in a boring or un stimulating environment. If you’re on FaceTime in your bed, try moving to a different room or even stepping outside for some fresh air. This can help wake you up and keep you from falling asleep.
Drink water
Another simple way to combat fatigue is to drink water. Dehydration can make you feel tired, so make sure you’re staying hydrated throughout the day. And if you start to feel sleepy while you’re on FaceTime, try sipping on some water. This can help wake you up and keep you from dozing off.
Drink coffee or tea
If you’re starting to feel sleepy, try drinking coffee or tea. The caffeine can help perk you up. Just be sure not to overdo it, as too much caffeine can make you feel jittery and anxious.
Eat healthy foods
If you’re feeling tired, it might be because you haven’t eaten enough throughout the day. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to keep your energy levels up. And, if you’re feeling really tired, try eating a small snack before your FaceTime call. This can help give you the boost you need to power through your conversation.
Get enough sleep
Of course, one of the best ways to avoid feeling sleepy on FaceTime is to make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Most adults need around 7-8 hours of sleep per night. So, if you find yourself yawning during your FaceTime calls, it might be a sign that you need to hit the hay a bit earlier that night.
Take a break
If you’re feeling tired, it might be best to take a break from your FaceTime call. You can always pick up where you left off later. This will give you time to rest and recharge so you’re not falling asleep on your friend or loved one.
End the call
If you’re feeling really sleepy, it might be best to just end the call. There’s no shame in admitting that you need to take a nap. Just let your friend or loved one know that you’re feeling tired and see if they’re available for another call later.
Should I hang up if he/she falls asleep on FaceTime?
Basically the answer to this just depends on how you both feel about it.
Ideally, you will have a quick discussion about whether you should hang up if the other person falls asleep. If it is your boyfriend or girlfriend who falls asleep on FaceTime then this is likely to be something that happens more than once during your relationship, so it’s worth talking about.
If your FaceTime partner falls asleep part way through your conversation you have the choice of either trying to wake them (probably unsuccessfully) or maybe waiting a few minutes to see if they wake up on their own. If they don’t, it’s normally fine to just end the call. Maybe just drop them a text to say that you will speak again the next day.
Is falling asleep on FaceTime bad for your phone?
Falling asleep on FaceTime isn’t ideal for your phone because it is extended use that can impact on your battery life over time.
Also, you shouldn’t fall asleep with your device on, especially if it is on charge, as you should ensure that your phone has sufficient ventilation while it is switched on – something that it will lack if it’s under the covers while you sleep!
Why do girls/guys want to fall asleep on FaceTime?
Sleeping together on FaceTime is actually a pretty common request among couples, especially if your relationship is relatively new or long distance.
Comfort
There are a few reasons why people might want to fall asleep on FaceTime. For some, it can be comforting to feel like they’re still close to their partner even if they’re not in the same room.
Deeper connection
Falling asleep on FaceTime can also help you feel connected to your partner, especially if you’re spending a lot of time apart.
Conclusion: Why do I get sleepy on FaceTime?
Feeling sleepy after a FaceTime call doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you—it’s actually pretty common! The main reason you feel so sleepy on a video call is that your brain is having to work harder to understand the visual cues from the screen than it would if you were talking face to face.
The next time you find yourself struggling to keep your eyes open during a conversation with a friend or family member, consider getting up and moving around, having a drink of water, or simply just taking a break! After all, there’s nothing worse than drooling on yourself during a work call…or worse yet—missing out on some juicy gossip because you nodded off mid-sentence!