Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

Occasional sleepiness during the daytime is normal, but in the case of excessive daytime sleepiness, there is a problem that interferes with daily life.

Excessive daytime sleepiness

Excessive daytime sleepiness is a condition that occurs after getting enough sleep during the night. Hypersomnia is a serious issue and makes the patient more susceptible to accidents.

Causes of excessive daytime sleepiness

The exact cause of excessive daytime sleepiness isn’t clear, but it’s thought that it may be related to an overactive immune system after a viral infection, changes in the size or thickness of the brain, problems in the neurotransmitters in the brain, or genetic variations.

There are two main types of hypersomnia:

• Primary hypersomnia, which occurs as a condition on its own and includes idiopathic hypersomnia, narcolepsy, and Kleine-Levin syndrome.
• Secondary hypersomnia, which occurs as a result of another condition or problem and includes not getting enough sleep or enough high-quality sleep, head injuries or traumas, alcohol and recreational drugs, side effects of certain medications (like sedatives, muscle relaxers, and psychosis drugs), and certain conditions that affect the brain, nervous system, or muscles.

Symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness

• Feeling sleepy and tired even after a long night’s sleep (more than 11 hours).
• Trouble waking up in the morning or after a nap.
• Naps during the day don’t make the patient feel rested or alert.
• Falling asleep multiple times during the day even without meaning to.
• Difficulty concentrating and memory issues.
• Irritability.
• Anxiety.
• Hallucinations.
• Headaches.
• Loss of appetite.
• Decreased energy.
• Sleep paralysis.

Diagnosis of excessive daytime sleepiness

• Asking about the symptoms.
• Sleep study.

Treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness

• Medications.
• Organizing sleep and setting a sleep routine.
• Managing other conditions, if any.