Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (Hypersomnia)
What Is Excessive Daytime Sleepiness?
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS), also known as Hypersomnia, is a condition where a person feels drowsy or has trouble staying awake, even after getting adequate or prolonged nighttime sleep. It goes beyond normal tiredness and can interfere with daily activities like work, studying, or driving.
Excessive sleepiness is a sign of an underlying issue such as a sleep disorder, poor sleep habits, or a medical or psychiatric condition [1].
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), nearly 20% of the population experiences Excessive sleepiness to a degree that disrupts their daily activities, including work performance, concentration, and overall quality of life [2].
Data collected between 2000 and 2024 shows a concerning rise in the prevalence of EDS across the United States. Recent figures suggest that nearly 1 in 4 Americans (about 25%) now report experiencing daytime sleepiness regularly [2].
The graph below illustrates the steady increase in EDS prevalence over the past two decades, highlighting the importance of proper diagnosis and effective management of this condition.
Signs And Symptoms
Symptoms of daytime drowsiness include-
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Irritability.
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Anxiety
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Headaches.
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Lower energy.
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Hallucinations.
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Memory problems.
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Episodes of falling asleep all the time
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Feeling confused.
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Loss of appetite.
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Restlessness.
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Sleep paralysis [3].
Types Of Hypersomnia
Healthcare professionals classify daytime somnolence or excessive sleepiness into two main types- primary hypersomnia and secondary hypersomnia.
Primary Hypersomnia
Primary hypersomnia occurs on its own, without another health condition causing it. Primary daytime sleepiness is of three types-
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Idiopathic Hypersomnia- The most common form, where excessive sleepiness occurs for no known reason.
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Kleine-Levin Syndrome (KLS)- A rare condition characterized by recurring episodes of extreme sleepiness, where individuals may sleep 16 to 20 hours a day during an episode.
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Narcolepsy- It is a neurological disorder where the brain struggles to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. People with narcolepsy may experience sudden sleep attacks, hallucinations, and sometimes cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle tone) [3].
Secondary Hypersomnia
Secondary hypersomnia occurs as a result of another health condition or an external factor. This condition may also result from substance and medication use, regular insufficient sleep, and psychiatric disorders [4].
Excessive Sleep Causes
In many cases, especially in idiopathic hypersomnia, there is no identifiable underlying medical or environmental factor. However, researchers have identified several possible causes, listed below-
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Poor sleep habits and sleep deprivation.
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Medical and neurological conditions, such as epilepsy.
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Dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system.
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An overactive immune response.
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Genetic Factors, such as a family history of sleep disorders.
Secondary daytime sleepiness causes include-
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multiple sclerosis (MS)
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depression
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medication use
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nerve damage due to a head trauma
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tumor
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drug or alcohol use
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damage to the central nervous system [5].
Risk Factors Of Hypersomnia
Anyone can experience excessive daytime sleepiness, but a few groups of individuals are at a higher risk of experiencing it. This includes people-
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Between the ages of 17 and 24.
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Who has a family member suffering from hypersomnia.
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Females [3].
People with the following health conditions are at a higher risk for hypersomnia-
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Kidney disorder
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Low thyroid function.
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Heart disorder.
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Sleep apnea.
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encephalitis.
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Nervous system disorders [5].
How Does Chronic Sleepiness Affect Daily Life?
Falling asleep during the day can significantly impact both short-term functioning and long-term health. It poses serious risks to safety, productivity, emotional well-being, and physical health.
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Increased risk of work and car accidents.
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Decline in quality of life.
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A decrease in work productivity and academic performance.
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Social and relationship troubles.
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Difficulty regulating emotions and mood.
Long-term sleep deprivation and persistent sleepiness are linked to serious health conditions such as:
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Obesity
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Type 2 Diabetes.
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Cardiovascular disease.
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Depression and other mood disorders.
Children experiencing daytime sleepiness may have slowed development and learning delays. Older adults are at higher risk for falls [2].
Diagnosis For Excessive Sleepiness
Diagnosing hypersomnia involves a thorough evaluation of medical history, sleep patterns, and possible underlying conditions. To identify the cause, your doctor may recommend the following tests:
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Blood Tests- To check for medical conditions like anemia or hypothyroidism.
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CT or MRI Scans- To rule out neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis.
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Polysomnography (Sleep Study)- An overnight test that monitors brain waves, heart rate, breathing, and body movements during sleep.
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Electroencephalogram (EEG)- Measures electrical activity in the brain to detect abnormalities that may be affecting sleep [6].
Accurate diagnosis is essential for determining the right treatment and improving quality of life.
Hypersomnia Treatment Options
Excessive daytime sleepiness treatment focuses on improving alertness, restoring healthy sleep patterns, and addressing any underlying causes.
Medications
To help you stay awake during the day, your doctor may prescribe wake-promoting agents. One commonly used option is Modafinil, also available under the brand name Modalert. These medications are typically used in cases of primary hypersomnia, such as narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia, and help reduce excessive daytime sleepiness.
Sleep Hygiene Improvements
Adopting healthy sleep habits can make a significant difference-
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Maintain a consistent sleep and wake schedule.
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Create a quiet, dark, and cool sleep environment.
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Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and vigorous exercise in the hours before bedtime [3].
Mental Health Support
If anxiety, depression, or emotional stress is contributing to your sleepiness, therapy or counseling may be recommended. Addressing mental health can improve sleep quality and overall well-being [3].
Natural Remedies And Lifestyle Tips
Some of the effective natural remedies to help prevent excessive daytime sleepiness include-
Use Caffeine
Caffeine can temporarily improve alertness and reduce fatigue. However, to avoid interfering with nighttime sleep, switch to decaf beverages in the afternoon. Overconsumption late in the day can make it harder to fall asleep at night.
Choose Energy-Sustaining Snacks
Avoid sugary snacks that cause quick crashes. Instead, opt for low-sugar, high-fiber options such as:
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Yogurt with nuts and berries.
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Peanut butter with veggies or whole wheat crackers.
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Carrots with low-fat cream cheese dip.
Take Smart Naps
Short naps can be restorative. Aim for a nap 6 to 7 hours before your normal bedtime, and keep it brief (10 to 30 minutes). Avoid late or long naps, as they can disrupt your nighttime sleep.
If needed at work, nap during breaks and use an alarm to help prevent oversleeping.
Stay Active
Regular physical activity can boost daytime energy and improve sleep at night. Even a 15-minute walk can help refresh your mind and body. Start small and increase gradually.
Get Sunlight Exposure
Natural light helps regulate your internal clock. Spend time outdoors during the day, especially in the morning, to promote wakefulness and support a healthy sleep-wake cycle [7].
Hypersomnia Vs. Narcolepsy: Know The Difference
The key differences between hypersomnia and Narcolepsy are listed below.
|
Features |
Hypersomnia |
Narcolepsy |
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Definition |
Excessive daytime sleepiness not caused by disturbed nighttime sleep. |
A neurological disorder affecting the brain’s ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles. |
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Sleep Duration |
Often sleeps 10 to 12 hours a night and still feels unrefreshed. |
May sleep normal hours but experience sudden sleep attacks. |
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Sleep Attacks |
Rare |
Common |
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Sleep Quality |
Prolonged, deep sleep; still unrefreshing. |
Fragmented nighttime sleep; often wakes up frequently. |
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Cause |
It can be idiopathic or secondary to medical conditions. |
It is caused by the loss of hypocretin (a brain chemical that regulates wakefulness). |
|
Other Symptoms |
Sleep inertia (grogginess), fatigue, memory issues. |
Cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness), hallucinations, sleep paralysis. |
When To See A Sleep Specialist
Persistent sleepiness can be a sign of an underlying sleep disorder that requires medical attention. According to Dr. Jyoti Matta, Pulmonologist and Medical Director of the Center for Sleep Disorders at Jersey City Medical Center (JCMC),
“If sleepiness interferes with work or any other daytime activity, and if you get less than seven hours of sleep, it is a good idea to get a sleep evaluation” [8].
In addition, you should consider seeing a sleep specialist if:
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You regularly experience excessive daytime sleepiness despite adequate nighttime sleep.
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You fall asleep unintentionally during conversations, meetings, or while driving.
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Naps do not relieve your fatigue, and you wake up feeling unrefreshed after long sleep durations.
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You experience unusual sleep behaviors such as sleep paralysis, hallucinations, or sudden muscle weakness (cataplexy).
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Snoring, gasping, or breathing interruptions are observed during your sleep.
Your sleep issues are affecting mental health, mood, memory, or daily functioning.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Treatment Options At Healthnaturo
At Healthnaturo, we offer trusted and effective treatment options to help manage excessive daytime sleepiness and improve daily alertness.
We provide Modafinil 200 mg, a widely prescribed wakefulness-promoting medication used to treat conditions like narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia, and shift work sleep disorder. Also known as Nootropics, it helps reduce excessive drowsiness and supports better daytime functioning.
On the other hand, Modalert 200 mg, is a popular brand of Modafinil known for its reliable results and long-lasting effects.
References
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Excessive daytime sleepiness, Wikipedia.
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Managing Excessive Daytime Sleepiness, sleepfoundation.
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Hypersomnia, clevelandclinic.
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Hypersomnia: What Is It? Symptoms, Causes, Types & Treatment, metropolisindia.
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What to know about hypersomnia, healthline.
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Diagnosing Hypersomnia, WebMD.
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Tips to Avoid Daytime Sleepiness, WebMD.
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When to See a Sleep Specialist, rwjbh.
FAQ's
Sudden oversleeping may be due to stress, illness, medication side effects, or an underlying sleep disorder like hypersomnia.
No, frequent unintended sleep episodes may indicate a sleep disorder such as narcolepsy or untreated sleep apnea.
Poor sleep quality, depression, or conditions like hypothyroidism or sleep disorders may cause persistent sleepiness despite adequate rest.
Reset your sleep schedule, stay physically active, limit naps, and improve sleep hygiene to restore a balanced sleep-wake cycle.
Oversleeping can disrupt your circadian rhythm and lead to grogginess; it may also signal poor sleep quality or an underlying health issue.
Common causes include sleep disorders, depression, medication effects, chronic illness, and lifestyle factors like poor diet or inactivity.