Published on: 6/12/2025
What conditions can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness and how can it be managed?
Excessive daytime sleepiness can be caused by conditions like sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and poor sleep habits. Managing it involves treating the underlying condition and improving sleep hygiene.
Explanation
Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) means feeling very sleepy during the day, even after a good night's sleep. It can happen because of several reasons.
Common Causes:
- Sleep Apnea: This is when breathing stops and starts during sleep.
- Narcolepsy: A condition that causes sudden sleep attacks.
- Poor Sleep Habits: Not getting enough sleep or having an irregular sleep schedule.
Management Strategies:
- Treating Underlying Conditions: For example, using a CPAP machine for sleep apnea can help.
- Improving Sleep Hygiene: This includes going to bed at the same time every night, making the bedroom comfortable, and avoiding caffeine before bed.
- Medications: Sometimes, doctors may prescribe medicine to help stay awake during the day.
It's important to talk to a healthcare professional if you experience EDS, as they can help find the cause and the best way to manage it. If you have concerns about your mental health, you can visit 988lifeline.org for support.
(References)
- Gandhi KD, Mansukhani MP, Silber MH, & Kolla BP. (2021). Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: A Clinical Review. Mayo Clinic proceedings, 33840518.
- Bittencourt LR, Silva RS, Santos RF, Pires ML, & Mello MT. (2005). [Excessive daytime sleepiness]. Revista brasileira de psiquiatria (Sao Paulo, Brazil : 1999), 16082450.
- Pérez-Carbonell L, Mignot E, Leschziner G, & Dauvilliers Y. (2022). Understanding and approaching excessive daytime .... Lancet (London, England), 36115367.
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