What is excessive daytime sleepiness disorder and how is it treated?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Excessive daytime sleepiness disorder is when someone feels very sleepy during the day, even after a good night's sleep. It can be treated with lifestyle changes and sometimes medication.

Important Next Steps

Learn what may cause your daytime sleepiness Discover if your sleepiness needs care today See if serious causes explain your fatigue Find OTC options for daytime sleepiness relief Find a doctor for sleep disorder care Understand safe home remedies for sleepiness Find out if it could be narcolepsy

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Explanation

Excessive daytime sleepiness disorder is a condition where a person feels very tired during the day, even if they have had enough sleep at night. This can make it hard to pay attention, learn, and do daily activities.

Causes:

Sleep disorders like sleep apnea or narcolepsy
Poor sleep habits
Certain medications

Treatment:

Lifestyle Changes:

Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day
Avoiding caffeine and electronic devices before bedtime
Creating a comfortable sleep environment

Medications:

Sometimes doctors prescribe medication to help stay awake during the day.

If you're experiencing persistent daytime sleepiness, you can check your symptoms with our free AI-powered tool to help identify potential causes and determine if you should see a doctor for further evaluation and treatment.

(References)

Gandhi KD, Mansukhani MP, Silber MH, & Kolla BP. (2021). Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: A Clinical Review. Mayo Clinic proceedings, 33840518.
Pérez-Carbonell L, Mignot E, Leschziner G, & Dauvilliers Y. (2022). Understanding and approaching excessive daytime .... Lancet (London, England), 36115367.
Takenoshita S, & Nishino S. (2017). Pharmacologic Management of Excessive Daytime .... Sleep medicine clinics, 28778242.

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