Drowsiness refers to feeling abnormally sleepy during the day. People who are drowsy may fall asleep in inappropriate situations or at inappropriate times.
See also: Idiopathic hypersomnia
Excessive daytime sleepiness (without a known cause) suggests that you have a significant sleep disorder. It is different from fatigue.
Depression, anxiety, stress, and boredom can all contribute to excessive sleepiness, but these conditions more typically cause fatigue and apathy.
You can relieve drowsiness by treating the cause of the problem. First, determine whether your fatigue is due to depression, anxiety, boredom, or stress. If you are not sure, talk with your health care provider.
For drowsiness due to medications, talk to your health care provider about switching or stopping your medications. DO NOT CHANGE MEDICATIONS WITHOUT FIRST TALKING TO YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.
Your health care provider can treat hypothyroidism, hypercalcemia, and hypo/hypernatremia.
For drowsiness due to narcolepsy, your doctor may prescribe stimulants (such as Ritalin).
For drowsiness due to other causes, seek medical help.
Contact your health care provider if you think the cause of your drowsiness is from any of the above conditions.
The doctor will examine you to determine the cause of your drowsiness. The doctor will investigate your sleep patterns, and you'll have a psychological profile taken.
You may be asked the following medical history questions about your drowsiness:
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:
If your health care provider makes a diagnosis related to drowsiness, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.
Sleepiness - during the day; Hypersomnia; Somnolence