Signs of Drowsiness

Drowsiness is known as abnormal sleepiness during the day. It can have several causes from not getting enough sleep the previous night to a symptom of a more serious medical condition. Drowsiness can often interfere with regular functioning and cause a person to fall asleep at inappropriate times. A doctor can determine the source of drowsiness and help to eliminate it. However, you must know the signs that indicate drowsiness to determine if you need to see your doctor.

Extreme Fatigue

• Fatigue is a prominent symptom of drowsiness. A person may have difficulty getting out of bed in the morning. She may feel sluggish throughout the day. She may also fall asleep while doing normal day to day activities such as watching TV or reading. This can be dangerous when it comes to tasks like driving and operating machinery.

Low Alertness and Concentration

• Drowsiness also slows a person's reaction time and takes away the ability to concentrate. This lowers a person's normal ability to do day to day tasks, such as perform at work, speak regularly, engage in conversation or read. A person often comes across as being disoriented or confused. Usual tasks take more time to complete. Constant day dreaming is also a sign that a person is experiencing drowsiness.

Excessive Blinking and Yawning

• When a person is experiencing drowsiness, his eyes are often bloodshot or sore. This leads to excessive blinking in an effort to relieve eye irritation. Yawning is also another sign of drowsiness. It may be more frequent when a person is drowsy and is disruptive in completing daily tasks.

Clumsiness

• A person who is drowsy is also likely to experience clumsiness. Drowsiness causes the body to feel heavy and as a result, general function and ability to do tasks like pour a drink without spilling it decreases. A person may also have trouble walking without tripping.