Falling asleep at work: when should you talk to a doctor or sleep specialist?

Falling asleep at work can happen to anyone after a long night or a rough commute, but if you keep falling asleep at work on a regular basis, it’s a sign you should dig deeper. Excessive daytime sleepiness doesn’t just hurt your productivity—it puts your safety and health at risk. Here’s how to decide when it’s time to talk to a doctor or a sleep specialist.

Why you might keep falling asleep at work

Everyone feels drowsy sometimes. But persistent nodding off at your desk, in meetings or on the train may point to:

• Poor sleep habits: irregular bedtimes, screens before bed, a noisy or bright bedroom
• Sleep deprivation: working late, caregiving duties, parenting young children
• Shift work or jet lag: rotating schedules, overnight shifts, crossing time zones
• Stress and mental health: anxiety and depression can make quality sleep elusive
• Undiagnosed sleep disorders: sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy
• Medical conditions: anemia, thyroid problems, diabetes or—even rarely—liver disease can cause overwhelming fatigue

If you’re consistently nodding off, it’s not just “part of the job.” Daytime sleepiness has real consequences.

The hidden risks: why it matters

According to a systematic review by Philip P. and colleagues (2014), daytime sleepiness directly raises your risk of occupational accidents. When you keep falling asleep at work:

• You may make dangerous mistakes around machinery or in vehicles.
• Your reaction times and decision-making suffer.
• You’re more likely to drop tools, misjudge distances or mix up critical steps.
• Chronic sleepiness increases long-term risks for heart disease, weight gain and mood disorders.

Don’t shrug it off as “just tired.” Protect yourself—and your coworkers—by seeking help.

Signs it’s time to see a doctor or sleep specialist

You don’t need to wait for a full-blown crisis before getting evaluated. Schedule a professional assessment if you:

• Keep falling asleep at work at least three times a week
• Experience “microsleeps” (brief nods or blank stares) without realizing it
• Feel drowsy while driving or operating equipment
• Regularly need caffeine, sugary snacks or energy drinks just to stay awake
• Have unexplained morning headaches, loud snoring or gasping for air at night
• Suffer from persistent fatigue that interferes with daily life

If you tick any of these boxes, talking with a sleep specialist can help identify—and treat—the root cause.

What to expect at your appointment

A sleep specialist or your primary care doctor will typically:

1. Review your personal and family medical history
2. Ask about your sleep patterns, stress levels and work schedule
3. Use screening tools such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to gauge severity
4. Request a sleep diary: you’ll jot down bedtimes, wake-times and naps for one to two weeks
5. Order tests if needed:
   • Polysomnography (overnight sleep study) or home sleep apnea test
   • Blood work to check thyroid, iron levels, glucose, liver function
   • Possible referral to other specialists if an underlying condition is suspected

Armed with data, your provider can recommend targeted treatments—ranging from lifestyle tweaks to medical devices or medications.

Lifestyle strategies while you wait

Even before your appointment, you can start fighting daytime sleepiness:

• Keep a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends.
• Create a restful environment: cool, dark, quiet and screen-free for 30 minutes before bed.
• Limit caffeine after mid-afternoon and avoid heavy meals close to bedtime.
• Build short, planned power naps (10–20 minutes) into your day—if your workplace allows.
• Take regular breaks: stand, stretch or walk for a few minutes every hour.
• Stay active: moderate exercise can improve sleep quality (but finish workouts at least 2–3 hours before bed).

These steps won’t replace a medical evaluation, but they can reduce the chance you’ll keep falling asleep at work while you wait.

Considering underlying health conditions

Persistent sleepiness sometimes points to medical issues beyond sleep apnea or narcolepsy. Blood tests can reveal:

• Anemia or low iron
• Thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism)
• Diabetes or blood sugar imbalances
• Liver disease (in more advanced cases, patients report fatigue as a key symptom)

Early detection leads to better outcomes. If your doctor suspects a serious condition, follow their recommendations for further testing.

A quick first step: free online symptom check

Not sure where to start? You might consider doing a free, online symptom check for to get an initial sense of possible causes. While this tool doesn’t replace professional care, it can help guide your next steps and clarify which symptoms deserve the most urgent attention.

Talking to your employer

If your sleepiness is work-related—due to shift patterns or mandatory overtime—ask whether your employer will:

• Adjust schedules to reduce consecutive night shifts
• Provide rest breaks or a quiet room for short naps
• Offer wellness programs focused on sleep health

Open communication can lead to safer practices and prevent on-the-job accidents.

When to see a specialist versus your primary doctor

• Primary care doctor: great for initial evaluation, basic blood work and simple sleep questionnaires.
• Sleep specialist: recommended if you have loud snoring, gasping, suspected sleep apnea, narcolepsy or if initial treatment doesn’t help.

Don’t delay: the sooner you pinpoint the cause, the sooner you’ll stop keep falling asleep at work.

Final thoughts

If you keep falling asleep at work, it’s more than an inconvenience—it’s a health and safety warning. Start by tracking your sleep, adopting better bedtime habits and talking with your primary care doctor. Consider a free, online symptom check for to narrow down possible causes. Above all, don’t ignore persistent sleepiness. Speak to a doctor about anything that could be life-threatening or serious. Proper diagnosis and treatment can help you reclaim your alertness, protect your well-being and keep you safe on the job.