Sleep Disorders
What is Problem Sleepiness?
Everyone feels sleepy at times. However, when sleepiness interferes
with daily routines and activities, or reduces the ability to function,
it is called “problem sleepiness.” A person can be sleepy
without realizing it. For example, a person may not feel sleepy
during activities such has talking and listening to music at a party,
but the same person can fall asleep with driving home afterward.
You may have problem sleepiness if you:
- consistently do not get enough sleep, or get poor quality sleep;
- fall asleep while driving;
- struggle to stay awake when inactive, such as when watching
television or reading;
- have difficulty paying attention or concentrating at work, school,
or home;
- have performance problems at work or school;
- are often told by others that are sleepy;
- have difficulty remembering;
- have stowed responses;
- have difficulty controlling your emotions;
- must take naps on most days.
What causes Problem Sleepiness?
Sleepiness can be due to the body’s natural daily sleep-wake
cycles, inadequate sleep, certain drugs or sleep disorders.
Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs
syndrome and insomnia can cause problem sleepiness.
Epworth
Sleepiness Scale
*content of this page was derived from an article in the National
Institutes of Health titled Problem Sleepiness
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