Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Symptoms

Excessive daytime sleepiness, or hypersomnia, is a condition where an individual becomes extremely sleepy during the hours when they should normally feel awake. The disorder is problematic because the sleepiness can occur when driving a car, operating machinery or during other moments when alertness is important. Although the exact cause of the condition is unknown, there are a series of symptoms that generally go along with the disorder.

Difficulty Waking Up

• People who suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness usually have difficulty waking up in the morning even after getting a normal night's sleep. The problem with waking will also follow napping. Individuals will almost never experience a feeling of refreshment after slumber.

Sudden and Overwhelming Sleepiness

• Sufferers will notice that sleepiness comes on suddenly and is often overwhelming. Many individuals find themselves unable to fight off the urge to sleep even with alertness aids such as coffee or fresh air.

Excessive Periods of Sleep

• People who are suffering from hypersomnia often find themselves sleeping for extended periods of time. A normal person might sleep only eight hours at a time, but someone with excessive sleep issues will sleep for much longer periods.

Lethargy

• Hypersomnia usually leave the sufferer feeling drained or lethargic. Even after a normal amount of rest and a period of little activity, individuals will still feel as if they have no energy.

Social Withdrawal

• Social withdrawal is very common in individuals who have hypersomnia. This is likely because the sufferers often become difficult to deal with, easily irritated and extremely anxious. The withdrawal also stems from the depression that accompanies the disorder.