When you zone out, you might briefly forget where you are or what you are doing.
This sensation is calleddissociation.
Fatigue and stress are common reasons why people briefly zone out.
Future Artist / Getty Images
However, a health issue like low blood sugar can be a cause, too.
Future Artist / Getty Images
1.
Fatigue
Extreme fatigue can take a toll on how your brain normally works.
Most lapses are momentary, lasting for seconds or minutes, although some episodes may last longer.
Distraction
Zoning out can occur when your attention is challenged by mental or emotional focus on something else.
For example, you might space out while driving or when listening to something that leads to boredom.
Your phone and other digital devices can cause distraction, too.
A neurotransmitter calledacetylcholineis key to how the brain handles attention and memory.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress, anxiety, and dissociation are common even if you are not fatigued or sleep-deprived.
With stress and anxiety, the brain has a way of shutting down momentarily when it is overtaxed.
This is becauseglucose(blood sugar) is the main fuel for the functioning of the central nervous system.
Neuroglycopenia commonly starts with dissociation before moving onto confusion, drowsiness, andseizures.
Migraine
Migraine headachesusually cause severe, one-side head pain.
Substance Use
There are many psychotropic (mind-altering) drugs that can induce a dissociative state.
Some cause dissociation when overused, while others induce dissociation rapidly.
These include regulated and illicit drugs such as:
8.
Seizure
A seizure is triggered by sudden, erratic electrical activity in the brain.
Transient Global Amnesia
Transient global amnesia (TGA)is a temporary interruption of short-term memory.
This is a rare event that can last for hours at a time.
Stabilizing your blood sugar, for example, will treat hypoglycemia.
Or, adjusting medication may improve control of a migraine disorder.
You may need to have new symptoms diagnosed if you’ve experienced a TIA or other condition.
The diagnosis can include:
You also may have an underlying mental health condition that requires treatment.
Your healthcare provider can assist you with a referral to see a mental health professional about your symptoms.
Talk with your healthcare provider if episodes of zoning out concern you or occur with other symptoms.
Early diagnosis and treatment of your condition can be key to improved outcomes.
2024 Apr 24;44(17):e1568232024.
doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1568-23.2024
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