Zoning Out: The Hidden Signs You’re Exhausted

And why ignoring these signals could be damaging your health

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Ever find yourself staring blankly at a screen, unable to remember what you were just doing? That’s not laziness – that’s exhaustion waving a white flag. These mental blackouts have become increasingly common in our always-on culture where burnout is practically a badge of honor.

These momentary lapses in attention aren’t just annoying interruptions to your workday – they’re your body’s desperate attempt to communicate. Studies show our attention is increasingly fragmented in the digital age, with constant interruptions diminishing our ability to focus deeply on tasks.

“Attention is a limited resource, so pay attention to where you pay attention.” — Daniel Goleman

Your Brain on Empty: The Science Behind Zoning Out

That mental fog creeping in during crucial moments isn’t random. Sleep deprivation is often the primary culprit — when you’re running on empty, your brain creates these mini-blackouts as emergency rest periods. The average adult needs 7–9 hours, but CDC data shows about one-third of American adults routinely get less than 7 hours nightly. Your brain, unlike your smartphone, can’t function properly on low battery.