Excessive daytime sleepiness is a common problem. Many people experience it at some point in their lives, and there is a wide range of treatment options available.
The primary cause of EDS is a lack of adequate sleep duration, and most adults should get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. Other factors that contribute to this condition include circadian rhythm sleep disorders, such as jet lag or shift work disorder, and certain medical conditions, including heart failure and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Causes
About 20 percent of adults report a level of daytime sleepiness that interferes with their ability to function. They are at greater risk of a motor vehicle and work-related incidents as well as poorer health than comparable adults.
Several factors can contribute to excessive daytime sleepiness, including insufficient sleep or sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea and sedating medications. In addition, a significant proportion of people with obstructive sleep apnea have residual excessive daytime sleepiness (REDS).
Treatment for EDS depends on the cause and may include lifestyle changes such as reducing caffeine intake and establishing a regular sleep schedule. It may also entail assessing the efficacy of medication or employing sleep-promoting therapy.
Physicians should screen patients for excessive daytime sleepiness by asking them about their sleep history and completing validated, patient-completed questionnaires such as the Stanford Sleepiness Scale or Epworth Sleepiness Scale. A score of more than 12 on these tests indicates that additional work-up is required.
Diagnosis
People with excessive daytime sleepiness are at increased risk for cognitive impairment, work performance issues, and motor vehicle accidents.
This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including not getting enough sleep, having poor quality sleep, or having a health condition that affects sleep. The cause of the condition can be found through a series of tests and interviews, so it’s important to see your doctor.
Diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders are often the best ways to improve your quality of life and avoid the negative effects of EDS. For example, obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most common causes of sleepiness and can be treat with medication and lifestyle changes.
Other sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy, can also cause daytime sleepiness. These disorders are usually diagnose through a medical or sleep history and sometimes polysomnography. Patients may be referred to a sleep specialist for additional testing.
Medication
Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a common problem. It affects up to 18% of the US population and can make it difficult for people to function normally. It can also lead to dangerous behaviors, such as driving while tired.
There are many medical and psychiatric disorders that can cause excessive daytime sleepiness. These include heart failure, kidney and liver disease, and certain psychiatric disorders like anxiety and depression.
Treatment for EDS depends on the underlying disorder and can include counseling, changing sleeping habits, and using medication. Medicines such as Modalert 200 Australia and Armodafinil can help with wakefulness.
A class of medications known as wakefulness-promoting agents includes Waklert Online. The region of the brain that regulates sleep and wakefulness has different concentrations of a few natural chemicals, which is how it functions. Narcolepsy is the most common disorder that causes EDS. Treatment for narcolepsy includes behavioral therapy, timed short naps, and proper sleep hygiene.
Obstructive sleep apnea is another common condition that can cause EDS. Treatment for obstructive sleep apnea typically involves using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. However, EDS can persist in some patients after obstructive sleep apnea has been treat.
Lifestyle Changes
Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a common problem that can be frustrating, but it may also be a sign of an underlying health condition. In some cases, a person may need to visit their doctor to get a diagnosis and the appropriate treatment.
The most effective and efficient treatment of EDS is typically multifaceted, involving lifestyle changes and a robust sleep hygiene regimen. It involves avoiding the use of alcohol, smoking, and caffeine in the evening; reducing sedentary activities and engaging in exercise; and taking steps to improve sleep quality.
One of the best-known measures of sleepiness is the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), which consists of eight items scored on a scale from 0 to 3 (higher scores indicate a greater likelihood of falling asleep) and a total score that can range from 0 to 24. The ESS has been show to be an accurate measure of daytime sleepiness. And is a clear choice for clinicians looking to quantify the magnitude of EDS in patients with OSA who have not previously had the symptoms.
