Definition:
Drowsiness refers to feeling abnormally sleepy during the day. People who are drowsy may fall asleep in inappropriate situations or at inappropriate times. See also: Idiopathic hypersomnia
Alternative Names:
Sleepiness - during the day; Hypersomnia; Somnolence
Considerations:
Excessive daytime sleepiness (without a known cause) suggests that you have a significant sleep disorder. It is different from fatigue. Depression, anxiety, stress, and boredom can all contribute to excessive sleepiness, but these conditions more typically cause fatigue and apathy.
Common Causes:
- Having to work long hours or different shifts (nights, weekends)
- Medications (tranquilizers, sleeping pills, antihistamines)
- Medical conditions (such as hypothyroidism, hypercalcemia, and hyponatremia /hypernatremia)
- Not sleeping for long enough
- Sleep disorders (such as sleep apnea syndrome and narcolepsy)
References:
Morgenthaler T, Kramer M, Alessi C, Friedman L, Boehlecke B, Brown T, et al. Practice parameters for the psychological and behavioral treatment of insomnia: an update. An American Academy of Sleep Medicine report. Sleep. 2006;29:1415-1419. Schwartz JR, Roth T. Shift work sleep disorder: burden of illness and approaches to management. Drugs. 2006;66:2357-2370.
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