Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

Daytime fatigue can significantly reduce your quality of life and increase the risk of accidents when not addressed. At Restful Solutions in Duanesburg, New York, sleep and respiratory specialist Jodi Conlan, NP-C, and the team pinpoint the root cause of and treat excessive daytime sleepiness to help you sleep soundly at night and be alert during the day. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation by calling the office or using the online booking feature today. 

What is excessive daytime sleepiness?

Excessive daytime sleepiness is extreme fatigue that occurs during the day because of poor sleep quality. It can hinder your performance at work, school, and in social situations. 

Daytime fatigue also affects your physical and mental health when not addressed. You might fall asleep several times throughout the day or have frequent accidents because of excessive sleepiness. See the Restful Solutions experts at the first sign of a problem. 

What are the risk factors for excessive daytime sleepiness?

Excessive daytime sleepiness affects about 5% of the population. Its risk factors include:

• Being female
• Family history of excessive daytime sleepiness
• Brain changes
• Poor sleep hygiene
• Sleep apnea
• Insomnia
• Narcolepsy 
• Other sleep-related disorders
• Medical conditions 
• Some medications 

This condition is commonly diagnosed during the teenage years or young adulthood.

What are the symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness?

The signs and symptoms associated with hypersomnia include:

• Extreme sleepiness during the day
• Sleeping 10 hours or more but still being tired
• Falling asleep during the day
• Difficulty waking up in the morning
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Low energy levels
• Being tired after naps
• Headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Slowed thinking and speech
• Problems focusing or remembering things

Not treating excessive daytime sleepiness increases the risk of falling asleep while driving, car accidents, and other accidents.

How is excessive daytime sleepiness diagnosed?

Diagnosing excessive daytime sleepiness and its cause typically involves a medical history review, physical exam, home sleep apnea study, and sometimes lab testing or imaging procedures. Your specialist discusses your lifestyle habits, symptoms, and medications and tailors a treatment plan that helps you get a better night’s sleep and wake up well-rested.  

How is excessive daytime sleepiness treated?

Treating excessive daytime sleepiness may involve one or more of the following:

• Lifestyle habit changes
• Prescription medications
• Dietary supplements
• Good sleep hygiene
• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) management
• Bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP) management
• Oral appliances
• Supplemental oxygen
• Treating underlying medical conditions
• Mental health treatments
• Surgery 

It’s critical to establish a regular sleep schedule, sleep in a dark, cool room, maintain an ideal weight, eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, and avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed to enhance sleep quality and feel more alert during the day. 

Schedule an in-person or virtual sleep evaluation at Restful Solutions by phone or request one online today to receive treatment for excessive daytime sleepiness.