The need for excessive sleep due to sleepiness during the
day, commonly referred to as hypersomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness, can
be described as falling into a sleep objectively measured and precipitated by
irresistible sleep attack episodes throughout the day. This could happen even
if one has gotten his fullest possible rest at night. It affects daily
functionality in terms of productivity, safety, and quality of life. But the extent
of its impacts may be reduced and mitigated with sufficient understanding of
the causes, symptoms, and options for treatments against EDS.
Causes of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
EDS can be caused by various factors, which involve
lifestyle choices, medical conditions, and sleep disorders. Some of the main
causes are as follows:
1. Sleep Disorders
Sleep Apnea: This is a sleep disorder whereby breathing starts and stops for several times during sleep. Sleep apnea causes disturbed sleep. People suffering from this sleep disorder wake up many times a night without even realizing it; therefore, they do not get enough rest, which causes them to sleep excessively during the day.
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): A neurological disorder
characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the legs and a great urge to move
the legs, making it hard for the individual to sleep. Among other issues, the
common complaint caused by the condition is limb movements, usually in the
legs, repetitive at regular intervals—usually 20-40 seconds apart. This can
cause a person to wake frequently, thereby having poor sleep quality.
2. Medical Conditions
Depression: Sleep pattern changes can result in somnolence with depression. This cycle of poor sleep and somnolence is frequently perpetuated by the somnolence caused by fatigue, a consequence of insomnia or hypersomnia associated with depression.
Hypothyroidism: Metabolic rate slows down in the event of an
underactive thyroid, resulting in fatigue. Thyroid hormones, when out of
balance, distort normal sleep and lead to somnolence during the day.
3. Lifestyle Factors
Poor Sleep Hygiene: Irregularity in sleep, exposure to
screens before sleep, and consumption of caffeine or liquor are some of the
causes that may disrupt sleep. It is thus very important to have good sleep
hygiene practices in place, including maintaining a regular sleep schedule and
sleep-conducive environment, to prevent EDS.
Shift Work: The irregular work timing tends to act on the
body's innate sleep/wake pattern. Many people develop shift work sleep
disorder, that is those who work at nights or have rotating shifts. It is
accompanied by prominent sleep disturbance and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Symptoms of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
The symptoms of EDS should be identified so the proper
treatment can be sought. Common symptoms are as follows:
Persistent Sleepiness: The relentless drowsiness felt during
the day despite an adequate amount of sleep taken at night. This persistent
sleepiness interferes with various activities throughout the day and diminishes
the quality of life of an individual.
Difficulty Concentrating: Difficulty concentrating on things
and lack of attention towards them. This may result in poor performance at work
or in school and increase the potential for mishaps and mislactions.
Diagnosis of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
The diagnosis of EDS has to be done by a health
professional. The following modalities may be included:
1. Medical History and Physical Examination
An appropriate medical history and physical examination have
to be taken regarding any underlying medical condition or lifestyle factor due
to which the patient is suffering from EDS. The treating doctor is going to
enquire about the pattern of sleep, daily routine, and symptoms of sleep disorder
or any other medically significant illness.
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2. Sleep Diary
A two-week sleep diary may be useful in understanding the
pattern of sleep and any disturbances. That is usually what is required of
patients to log: bedtime, wake time, number of wakenings, and daytime naps or
sleepiness episodes.
3. Polysomnography (Sleep Study)
A sleep study can monitor various physiological sleep
activities of brain activity, Eye movement, heart rate, and breathing patterns.
It is particularly useful in determining sleep disorders like sleep apnea and
narcolepsy. A patient is attached with sensors on the body in a sleep study,
which records these parameters to indicate the quality of sleep, how complete
it is, and any possible abnormalities.
4. Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)
The MSLT quantifies the speed of falling asleep in a quiet
environment during the day and also the speed of entry into REM sleep. This
test is frequently performed to establish a diagnosis of narcolepsy.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Treatment
The treatment of EDS depends on the basic cause. The usual
modes of treatment include:
1. Lifestyle Modifications
Improving Sleep Hygiene: Developing a regular sleep
schedule, making the sleep environment comfortable, and avoiding stimulants
before bedtime. Simple changes, such as minimizing screen time before bed and
cutting back on caffeine, can do wonders in helping people sleep better.
Regular Exercise: Regular exercise contributes to improved
sleep quality and less daytime somnolence. This is so because exercise leads to
the regularization of the sleep-wake cycle and diminishes stress, which is an
adversary of good sleep quality.
2. Medical Treatment
Prescribed medications like modafinil or armodafinil may
help a patient to be more awake. If there is hypothyroidism, then appropriate
drugs can be taken to correct it. Sometimes, drugs can be prescribed against
associated conditions like depression or anxiety.
3. Cognitive Behavioral Treatment
Should EDS occur because of anxiety or depression, then CBT
can easily resolve any underlying psychological issues. More specifically,
CBT-I seems very effective in improving the quality of sleep, involving the identification and change of negative thoughts and related sleep-disruptive
behaviors.
4. Sleep Disorders Management
Treatment for Narcolepsy: Stimulants and sodium oxybate help
in controlling the symptoms of narcolepsy. Lifestyle changes such as planned
naps and regular patterns of sleep are also beneficial.
Prevention of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
EDS can be prevented by adopting good sleep hygiene and
eliminating predisposing factors. Some preventive measures are as follows:
Consistency: Same sleeping time every night and rise time
every morning, even on weekends. This habit helps the body fit itself according
to the internal time and improves the quality of sleep.
Sleep Environment: Make a comfortable, distraction-free
environment for sleeping; this usually includes a comfortable mattress and
pillows, having a cool room temperature, and avoiding noise and light as much
as possible.
Conclusion
It affects each and every daily aspect, from performance at
work to personal relations. Being able to understand the causes, symptoms, and
treatment options makes all the difference in managing this condition
effectively. Individuals can enhance the quality of their sleep by practicing
good sleep habits, consulting a doctor, or solving the root problems in order
to minimize the impact of EDS in their lives.
Please book an appointment with the best Psychologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.
