How to Identify the Causes of Drowsiness

Drowsiness refers to feelings of excessive sleepiness during the day. Drowsiness differs from fatigue and apathy, which may be related to other physical, mental, or emotional health conditions. The specific causes of drowsiness are often difficult to pinpoint. Frequent bouts of drowsiness can indicate an underlying sleep disorder. Idiopathic hypersomnia is a sleep disorder that is sometimes responsible for excessive daytime sleepiness. People with this condition may sleep excessively, napping frequently throughout the day for no apparent reason.

Instructions

• 1

  Examine current sleeping patterns. Look at changes in routine, work schedules, or other activities that may have a direct impact on nighttime habits. Changes in jobs, including working evening or graveyard shifts, can lead to more daytime sleepiness. Not sleeping long enough at night can also lead to more drowsiness during the day.

• 2

  Non-prescription medications can also contribute to drowsiness.

  Talk to a doctor about current medications and possible side effects. Many medications can cause drowsiness. Labels for over-the-counter medications can provide information about potential side effects or interactions with other medications. Do not stop taking or change the dosage of medications without the advice of a physician.

• 3

  Recognize the differences between drowsiness and fatigue. Fatigue is a feeling of apathy, or a lack of motivation. Drowsiness refers to feeling the need to sleep. Fatigue is most often caused by physical health conditions, stress, depression, or anxiety. The causes of drowsiness can be more difficult to detect.

• 4

  Have a physical exam to rule out certain types of physical health conditions. Hypothyroidism, hormone irregularities, and certain types of kidney problems can all lead to symptoms of drowsiness. High blood sugar associated with Type II Diabetes may also be a culprit. Routine tests can help rule out a number of medical conditions.

• 5

  Obtain a referral for a sleep specialist. A medical doctor may recommend seeing a physician that specializes in sleep disorders, if the exact cause of drowsiness cannot be identified through routine tests. A sleep specialist will be able to rule out sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and narcolepsy.