Did you know excessive daytime sleepiness affects about 20% of the population? Daytime sleepiness is one of the most common sleep symptoms patients report they experience. When you feel sleepy all the time, it can start to affect your daily routine and can be harmful to you and others. Vehicle and work-related incidents are more likely to happen when you are having a difficult time keeping your eyes open and staying focused. So, what is causing you to feel sleepy all the time, and how do we resolve the issue? Let’s take a look to help get you feeling rested and rejuvenated.
Common Causes of Being Sleepy All the Time
There are various causes of being sleepy all the time. The most common reason is sleep deprivation, although sleep-related disorders, such as narcolepsy, can also cause excessive daytime sleepiness. We have outlined some of the most common causes of why you might feel sleepy all the time:
• Sleep Deprivation
As mentioned previously, sleep deprivation is the most common cause of daytime sleepiness. You can have sleep deprivation from frequently getting less than 7 hours of sleep at night or even after 1 night. Those who experience being sleepy all the time are often unaware of their increasing symptoms and their effects on daily life. It’s not enough to simply get enough sleep to make it through the day. Getting a sufficient amount of sleep is crucial to perform and be fully conscious of our surroundings.
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
When you have obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, the most common side-effect is feeling sleepy all the time. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused when your airway is blocked, and your airflow decreases, causing apneas, or cessation of breathing. This and other breathing disorders are a common cause of being sleepy all the time. If you have not been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, there is a good chance you may have it. Over 25% of adults in the U.S. are either at risk of developing OSA or currently have it.
• Medication and Drug Effects
Have you recently started taking a new medication or switched to a new prescription? Your excessive daytime sleepiness could be a side-effect. There are many different chemicals and factors in each medication, which can cause various side-effects. It is difficult to point out which exact medications and factors go into feeling sleepy all the time, but some of the most common ones are antihistamine, antidepressant, anti-anxiety, and blood pressure medications.
• Evaluation and Screening for Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Now that you are aware of some of the causes of being sleepy all the time, you are ready to be screened excessive daytime sleepiness. When you go to a treatment center or sleep center, you’re testing will comprise of your medical history, a physical exam, and any necessary lab assessments. Your doctor will be able to assess if any of the medications you are taking have daytime sleepiness as a common side-effect and if there are any underlying medical or psychological causes.
Sleep Doctor in Jacksonville, FL
After your evaluation, your doctor may recommend more testing or offer recommendations to overcome feeling sleepy all the time. If you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, a CPAP machine may be an excellent for you. If there are deeper issues, your doctor may recommend an overnight visit to get a better understanding of your sleep habits. Getting an evaluation and treatment for excessive daytime sleepiness can be a seamless process. At the Jacksonville Sleep Center, our staff of Board-Certified Sleep Physicians are dedicated to improving your quality of life through a better night’s sleep. We understand each individual has a unique circumstance that requires our undivided and focused attention. If you’re ready to live the life you deserve, contact us for your appointment today.
