Can’t Stay Awake at Work? 5 Health Red Flags for Women 65+

Can't Stay Awake at Work? 5 Health Red Flags for Women 65+

If you find yourself thinking, "i can't stay awake at work," you're not alone. Many women over 65 struggle with unexpected daytime sleepiness—even after what seemed like a full night's rest. While occasional tiredness can be normal, persistent sleepiness at work or during daily activities is not something to ignore.

As we age, our sleep patterns and health needs change. For women 65 and older, excessive daytime sleepiness can sometimes be an early sign of a medical issue that deserves attention. This article explains five important health red flags, using clear, practical language—without unnecessary alarm—so you can better understand what your body may be telling you.

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Why This Matters for Women Over 65

Daytime sleepiness is more than an inconvenience. If you regularly feel like you can't stay awake at work, while driving, or even during conversations, it can affect:

• Safety (falls, car accidents, work errors)
• Memory and focus
• Mood and emotional well-being
• Independence and quality of life

Let's look at the most common and medically recognized reasons this happens in women 65+.

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1. Sleep Apnea (Often Missed in Older Women)

Sleep apnea is one of the most common and underdiagnosed causes of daytime sleepiness in older adults—especially women.

Why it causes extreme fatigue

Sleep apnea causes breathing to stop and start repeatedly during sleep. These interruptions reduce oxygen levels and prevent deep, restorative rest—even if you sleep for 7–8 hours.

Signs to watch for

• Loud or chronic snoring
• Waking up gasping or choking
• Morning headaches
• Dry mouth upon waking
• Feeling like "i can't stay awake at work" despite enough sleep

Why women 65+ are at risk

After menopause, hormonal changes increase the risk of sleep apnea. Many women don't snore loudly, which is why the condition often goes unnoticed.

Why this matters: Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cognitive decline. This is a condition you should speak to a doctor about promptly.

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2. Medication Side Effects or Drug Interactions

Many women over 65 take multiple medications, and sleepiness is a common side effect.

Medications often linked to daytime drowsiness

• Blood pressure drugs
• Anxiety or depression medications
• Pain relievers (including some non-opioids)
• Allergy medications (even some "non-drowsy" types)
• Muscle relaxants or sleep aids

Warning signs

• Fatigue started after a medication change
• Feeling foggy, slowed down, or unsteady
• Trouble concentrating at work or staying alert

If you're thinking, "i can't stay awake at work since starting this medication," trust that instinct.

Important note: Never stop a medication on your own. A doctor or pharmacist can review your medications and adjust doses or timing safely.

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3. Anemia or Nutritional Deficiencies

Anemia and vitamin deficiencies become more common with age, especially in women.

Common culprits

• Iron deficiency
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Folate deficiency

These nutrients are essential for carrying oxygen and supporting brain function. Low levels can make even simple tasks exhausting.

Symptoms that often show up

• Constant fatigue
• Weakness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Pale skin
• Feeling like you can't stay awake at work or during errands

Why this is often overlooked

Fatigue may be blamed on aging, but aging alone does not cause severe sleepiness.

A simple blood test can often identify these problems, and treatment is usually very effective.

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4. Depression or Chronic Stress (Not Always Obvious)

Depression in older women doesn't always look like sadness.

How it can affect sleep and alertness

• Poor-quality sleep
• Early morning waking
• Mental exhaustion
• Low motivation
• Difficulty focusing at work or volunteering

You may still enjoy life but feel drained and sleepy all day.

Key signs

• Loss of interest in activities
• Changes in appetite
• Trouble concentrating
• Feeling slowed down
• Thinking "i can't stay awake at work" even on calm days

Depression is a medical condition, not a personal weakness. Treatment can greatly improve energy, sleep, and overall well-being.

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5. Narcolepsy or Other Neurological Sleep Disorders

While less common, narcolepsy and related sleep disorders can appear later in life and are often misdiagnosed.

What makes this different

Narcolepsy affects how the brain controls sleep and wake cycles. People may fall asleep suddenly or feel overwhelming drowsiness during the day.

Possible symptoms

• Strong urges to sleep during the day
• Brief, uncontrollable "sleep attacks"
• Vivid dreams during short naps
• Waking up feeling unrefreshed
• Saying, "i can't stay awake at work no matter what I do"

Because symptoms overlap with other conditions, narcolepsy is often missed for years.

If these symptoms sound familiar, using a free AI-powered Narcolepsy symptom checker can help you identify whether this condition might be affecting you and guide your conversation with a healthcare provider.

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When Daytime Sleepiness Becomes Serious

You should speak to a doctor as soon as possible if sleepiness:

• Interferes with work or daily tasks
• Causes you to nod off while driving
• Comes with chest pain, shortness of breath, or confusion
• Appears suddenly or worsens quickly
• Leads to falls or near-accidents

These situations can be life-threatening if left unaddressed.

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What You Can Do Next

If you keep thinking, "i can't stay awake at work," take action rather than pushing through it.

Practical next steps

• Track your sleep and fatigue for 1–2 weeks
• Write down all medications and supplements
• Note when sleepiness is worst (morning, afternoon, after meals)
• Share these details with your doctor

A healthcare professional can determine whether testing, medication changes, or lifestyle adjustments are needed.

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The Bottom Line

Feeling tired now and then is normal. Constantly struggling to stay awake is not. For women 65+, daytime sleepiness often signals a health issue that can be treated—sometimes easily, sometimes urgently.

Listening to your body, using reliable tools like a free AI-powered Narcolepsy symptom checker, and speaking to a doctor can protect your health, safety, and independence.

If you've been telling yourself, "i can't stay awake at work," consider that your body may be asking for help—and that help is available.