Excessive Daytime Sleepiness – Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness – Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment at Emirates Hospitals Group

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a condition characterized by an overwhelming urge to sleep during the day, affecting concentration, productivity, and overall quality of life. It can result from underlying medical conditions, sleep disorders, or lifestyle factors. At Emirates Hospitals Group, we specialize in diagnosing and treating EDS to improve patients’ daily functioning and well-being.

Causes of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

EDS can be triggered by various factors, including:

1. Sleep Disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome disrupt restful sleep, leading to daytime drowsiness.
2. Poor Sleep Hygiene: Irregular sleep schedules, insufficient sleep, and high caffeine or screen exposure before bedtime can contribute to EDS.
3. Medical Conditions: Neurological disorders, hypothyroidism, and chronic fatigue syndrome can result in persistent daytime sleepiness.
4. Medications: Certain prescription drugs, including sedatives and antihistamines, can cause drowsiness as a side effect.
5. Depression and Anxiety: Mental health conditions can interfere with sleep quality, leading to fatigue and daytime drowsiness.
6. Substance Use: Alcohol and drug use can disrupt sleep patterns, increasing daytime fatigue.

Diagnosis of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

A thorough evaluation is essential to identify the root cause of EDS. Our diagnostic approach includes:

• Medical History and Sleep Assessment: Evaluating sleep patterns, lifestyle, and medical history.
• Polysomnography (Sleep Study): An overnight test to monitor brain activity, breathing patterns, and movements during sleep.
• Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT): Measures how quickly a patient falls asleep in a quiet environment during the day.
• Blood Tests: Checking for underlying conditions such as thyroid imbalances or vitamin deficiencies.

Treatment Options for Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

Effective treatment for EDS depends on its underlying cause and may include:

• Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, limiting caffeine, and creating a sleep-friendly environment.
• Medical Therapy: Prescription stimulants or wakefulness-promoting agents for conditions like narcolepsy.
• CPAP Therapy: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices for sleep apnea treatment.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Addressing stress, anxiety, or depression-related sleep disturbances.

At Emirates Hospitals Group, our sleep specialists provide personalized treatment plans to help patients regain energy and improve their daily lives.

Related Treatments

• Sleep Apnea