As the day begins, you’ve had your morning shower and a hot cup of coffee, but you find it hard to keep your eyes open. If this sounds familiar, you may be experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), a condition that can impact your daily responsibilities.
“When you feel sleepy in the morning, it’s often assumed that you haven’t had the recommended eight hours of sleep the night before,” said Dr. Maria Patricia Ann T. Puno, a sleep medicine specialist at Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). “Late nights spent working, partying, binge-watching shows, or other factors like jet lag or caring for a newborn can contribute to this fatigue.”
Getting enough quality sleep is crucial to avoiding EDS, but for some, even eight hours isn’t sufficient. This persistent sleepiness may signal a condition known as hypersomnia, defined by the International Classification of Sleep Disorders as “the inability to stay awake and alert during major waking episodes, resulting in unintended drowsiness or sleep.”
Dr. Puno noted that hypersomnia can manifest in various symptoms, including constant sleepiness, difficulty staying awake despite adequate sleep, irritability, and lack of energy or appetite.
“Power naps do not alleviate the sluggishness experienced by patients,” she added.
Identifying and addressing the root causes of excessive sleepiness is essential for managing hypersomnia. Certain medications – such as antihistamines, anti-epileptic drugs, antipsychotics, and muscle relaxants – can induce sleepiness during the day. Additionally, medical conditions like head trauma, hypothyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, sleep apnea, and mood disorders like depression can also contribute.
In some cases, hypersomnia may arise from genetic factors or rare sleep disorders. Dr. Puno explained, “Narcolepsy is characterized by sudden urges to sleep deeply, often due to a lack of orexin, a neurotransmitter that helps keep you awake. A rarer condition, Kleine-Levin Syndrome, involves chronic daytime sleepiness accompanied by cognitive disturbances, potentially linked to illness or injury to the hypothalamus.”
With proper diagnosis, hypersomnia can be treated using antidepressants, stimulants, or medications specifically designed for narcolepsy. Dr. Puno recommended consulting your primary physician if you are taking prescription medications that cause drowsiness, as dosage adjustments or alternatives may be available.
Lifestyle changes can also help manage daytime sleepiness. “If your sleep is disrupted, consider going to bed earlier to ensure longer rest,” advised Dr. Puno. “Regular 20-minute exercise can enhance sleep quality, as can relaxation techniques like meditation. Caffeine can be helpful, but moderation is key to avoid affecting nighttime sleep. Additionally, a brief 15-30 minute nap during the day can rejuvenate your mind and improve your mood.”
For more information, contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph.
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