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What Is Extreme Daytime Sleepiness?

Extreme daytime sleepiness is an overpowering urge to sleep during the day, even when you've had adequate sleep during the night. It is a symptom of certain sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea.

  1. The Facts

    • Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is the most common complaint seen in sleep clinics. It results in decreased work or school performance and increased risk for accidents.

    Symptoms

    • If you fall asleep several times a day at inappropriate times, such as at a meeting or at a red light, you may have excessive daytime sleepiness. Sleep episodes usually last 15 minutes to an hour and occur several times throughout the day.

    Causes

    • Extreme daytime sleepiness can have a variety of causes. Insufficient sleep, working third shift and side effects of certain medications can all lead to EDS. Sleep disorders such as narcolepsy and sleep apnea are other possible causes.

    Diagnosis

    • Diagnosis of EDS is done using a variety of tests, usually in a sleep lab. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is the most common test used to diagnose this disorder.

    Warning

    • If you or a loved one suffers from EDS, it is important to get help. Undiagnosed EDS can lead to serious accidents at work and on the road.

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