Problem Sleepiness

Foods That Help or Harm Your Sleep Slideshow

• What is problem sleepiness?
• What are the symptoms of problem sleepiness?
• What causes problem sleepiness?
• Sleep-wake cycle
• Inadequate sleep
• Sleep disorders
• Medical conditions/drugs
• Problem sleepiness and adolescents
• Shift work and problem sleepiness
• What can help for problem sleepiness?

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 as talking and listening to music at a party, but the same person can fall asleep while driving home afterward.

What are the symptoms of problem sleepiness?

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 you are sleepy;

• have difficulty remembering;

• have slowed responses;

• have difficulty controlling your emotions; or

• 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, sleep disorders, or certain drugs.

Sleep-wake cycle

Each day there are two periods when the body experiences a natural tendency toward sleepiness; during the late night hours (generally between midnight and 7 a.m.) and again during the midafternoon (generally between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.). If people are awake during these times, they have a higher risk of falling asleep unintentionally, especially if they haven't been getting enough sleep.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Sleep Apnea - Learn about sleep apnea, including a description of types of sleep apnea, causes, complications, diagnosis, evaluation, treatments (surgical and non-surgical), and importance of treatment.
• Restless Leg Syndrome - Read about restless leg syndrome (RLS) causes, symptoms and treatments. RLS is more noticeable while sleeping and is associated with caffeine, alcohol and pregnancy.
• Sleep - Read about how to get a healthy nights sleep, how much sleep is enough, and why skimping on sleep can lead to poor performance, health, and moods.

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