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Causes of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

Daytime sleepiness or drowsiness affects a number of people. People who suffer from this condition on a regular basis are unable to concentrate at work, and they may move at a slower pace. Though identifying the cause of daytime sleepiness can prove challenging, by assessing lifestyles and habits sufferers may pinpoint a trigger.

  1. Changing Sleep Patterns

    • A change in a person's normal sleep pattern, such as switching to nighttime shift work, can affect the body's ability to remain alert and awake throughout the daytime hours. Most people train their bodies to sleep somewhere between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Going to bed later and waking up at a later time can confuse the body, and it will take time to adjust to a new sleep schedule.

    Medical Conditions

    • Certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, insomnia and autoimmune disorders that cause fatigue like chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, can produce excessive sleepiness during the daytime hours. Doctors can offer assistance or medications to help sufferers overcome problems such as sleep apnea and insomnia. Regrettably, there are no cures for autoimmune diseases. However, lifestyle changes such as incorporating exercise and taking energy supplements can help combat fatigue.

    Nighttime Sleep Disturbances

    • Not being to sleep through the night is another cause of excessive drowsiness during the day. Several factors can result in sleep disruption. Examples include sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress, sleeping with the television on or keeping the bedroom too hot. Create a cozy sleep environment to induce sleep and to remain asleep during the night. A dark, quiet and cool room offers a good sleep environment.

    Over-stimulation

    • Over-stimulation from caffeinated drinks can induce alertness at night, as can watching television, working on the computer or playing video games before bedtime. Being overly stimulated or alert can make falling asleep difficult, causing sufferers to lie awake for several hours and then fall asleep during the early morning. This results in only a few hours of restful sleep and can trigger daytime sleepiness.

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