Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: What Causes It & Treatment Options

Are you feeling super tired during the day? That’s called excessive daytime sleepiness, or EDS. It’s a big problem for lots of people, often linked to sleep disorders. It’s important to know what EDS is all about to deal with it. This article will explain what EDS is, its symptoms, and how it can be treated. Let’s dive in!

What is EDS?

Excessive daytime sleepiness is when you feel super tired during the day, even if you slept enough at night. It’s like always fighting to stay awake, no matter what you do. This isn’t just regular tiredness—it can mess up your day, making it hard to get stuff done at work or enjoy time with friends.

How does it occur?

EDS happens when you’re super sleepy during the day, and sleep disorders like narcolepsy are often to blame. They mess with your brain’s sleep schedule, causing sudden and uncontrollable daytime sleepiness. Other sleep problems, like sleep apnea and insomnia, can also make you feel excessively tired during the day.

What are the symptoms of EDS?

EDS has many symptoms that show more than just feeling tired. Some common signs of EDS include the following: 

• Persistent fatigue and tiredness: Despite getting a full night’s sleep, individuals with EDS often struggle to shake off feelings of exhaustion throughout the day.
• Difficulty staying awake: Individuals with EDS also find it hard to stay awake. Simple everyday tasks like driving, working, and interacting with others will be challenging for them to accomplish.
• Sudden sleep attacks or microsleeps: EDS can also show itself in the form of uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep, known as sleep attacks. These brief, unintentional periods usually last only a few seconds.
• Poor concentration and memory problems: Brain functions may also be impaired, making it difficult to focus, concentrate, or remember information.
• Mood changes, irritability, and decreased motivation: EDS can hurt mental health. Mood fluctuations, impatience, and a loss of interest in once-enjoyable activities might result from the persistent feeling of sleepiness.

Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for timely intervention and management of EDS. If untreated, it can have a serious negative effect on one’s general health and quality of life.

When should you see a doctor?

Should you see a doctor immediately? It depends on how badly you’re experiencing EDS symptoms. Here are some signs and situations when you should consider consulting a specialist:

• Persistent and severe symptoms: If your EDS is already persistent and it’s significantly affecting your daily life, you need to seek medical attention quickly.
• Safety concerns: If your EDS already poses a safety concern to you and others, then you need to see a doctor. This would include experiencing the disorder while driving, operating machinery, or doing other physical labor.
• Sudden onset of symptoms: A sudden EDS without an apparent cause could indicate an underlying medical condition that requires prompt evaluation and treatment.
• Additional symptoms or concerns: It’s crucial to see a medical professional if other symptoms, such as loud snoring or gasping for air as you sleep, are present. These additional signs could point to an underlying medical issue or sleep disturbance.

Can it be treated?

Yes, EDS can indeed be effectively managed and treated. Here are some common approaches to treating EDS: 

• Medications: Depending on the specific sleep disorder diagnosed, healthcare providers may prescribe medications to address EDS symptoms. One example is the use of stimulants, such as modafinil or armodafinil, to help narcoleptics stay awake. Another example is the use of antidepressants to manage symptoms associated with certain sleep disorders.
• Behavioral therapy: One popular method for treating EDS and sleep disturbances is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). It focuses on treating underlying psychological issues, enhancing sleep hygiene, and altering unfavorable thought patterns and sleep-related behaviors.
• Lifestyle changes: Making adjustments to lifestyle habits can play a significant role in managing EDS. This entails setting up a sleep-friendly environment by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Additionally, you should abstain from stimulants like nicotine and caffeine right before bed.
• Medical interventions: In certain instances, it might be advised to use medical devices or treatments to treat underlying sleep abnormalities that are causing EDS. For example, those with obstructive sleep apnea may benefit from continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. A component of the therapy involves wearing a mask that is connected to a device that continuously breathes air into your mouth to keep your airway open while you sleep.

These are but a few of the EDS therapy alternatives. To ensure that you receive the best care for your sleep condition, make sure you consult a healthcare provider.

How do you prevent EDS from happening?

EDS may not be entirely preventable. But there are things that you can do to reduce the risk of experiencing this sleep disorder. Here are some strategies to consider: 

• Prioritize sleep: Make sure you get the right amount of quality sleep each night. Most adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night, according to CDC guidelines.
• Follow a sleep schedule: Even on the weekends, have a regular sleep-wake cycle. Your body’s internal clock is controlled, and better sleep quality is encouraged.
• Have a conducive sleeping atmosphere: Create a sleep-friendly atmosphere in your bedroom by keeping it quiet, dark, and cold. These elements will facilitate deeper, more restful sleep. Invest in pillows that support the sleeping posture you choose and a comfy mattress.
• Limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine. Avoid stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol just before bed. These stimulants have the potential to impair sleep and increase drowsiness during the day.
• Manage stress: Use techniques like gradual muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises, and meditation to manage your stress. These will assist in calming your body and mind before rest. Chronic stress can disrupt sleep patterns and exacerbate the symptoms of EDS, so finding healthy ways to manage stress is essential. 

You need to understand what EDS is

Feeling super sleepy during the day, known as excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), can stem from different sleep issues and how you live. To handle EDS, you need to recognize its signs, understand what causes it, and take the right steps. By improving your sleep habits and seeking help when needed, you can manage EDS and enjoy life more.