You know that feeling when your head feels wrapped in cotton, your mind slips and you struggle to stay focused? It's often called brain fog -- but the reasons behind it can be very different. To be able to do something about it, you need to know what the body is trying to tell you.

Low blood sugar
‍When blood sugar drops too quickly, the brain loses access to its main source of energy. This can lead to restlessness, dizziness, irritability, trembling and sudden clouding of mind. Many people experience it as “acute mental crash,” but it often resolves quickly after food -- especially carbohydrates. A good test: do you suddenly become yourself again after an apple or a banana?

Sleep deprivation
‍The brain recovers during sleep. When you sleep too little -- or with too poor quality -- you have problems with memory, decision-making, and reaction time. Sleep deficits build up over time and can cause constant brain fog throughout the day, especially after lunch. Other signs: you have a hard time getting started in the morning, and never feel fully rested.

Stress
‍Chronic stress affects both cortisol and the nervous system. When you are constantly activated, the prefrontal cortex (the “conductor” of the brain) becomes less efficient. It can cause difficulty concentrating, poor memory, and difficulty picking up words. You get overwhelmed, distracted and feel like your thoughts are racing — even when you sleep enough and eat well.

How to find out what concerns you?
‍Note the timing and patterns:

• Does the fog come abruptly and disappear after food? Check your blood sugar.
• Is it heaviest in the morning and better throughout the day? Look at the quality of sleep.
• Is it worse during pressured periods, but regardless of sleep and food? Stress may be the cause.

By mapping this systematically, you gain insight into your body's needs. Livity connects data from sleep, heart rate and daily energy — helping you understand how different factors affect you.

Want to know what's really behind the brain fog? With Livity, you get insights, measurements and personal follow-up — so you can think clearly again.