What Is Excessive Daytime Sleepiness?Įxcessive daytime sleepiness is defined as difficulty staying awake or alert, or an increased desire to sleep during the day.
It’s important to recognize the signs of excessive daytime sleepiness so you can identify and remedy the cause. Your body may be trying to tell you that you are not getting enough sleep, or it may be raising red flags about a sleep disorder or other health condition. Though not a disorder in itself, excessive daytime sleepiness is something to take seriously. The 2020 Sleep in America Poll found that Americans report feeling sleepy an average of three days a week, and experience significant effects on mood and physical health as a result.
Infection, such as swine flu or a streptococcal infection.Hormonal changes, such as during puberty or menopause.The deficiency in hypocretin may be the result of an autoimmune response, in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the parts of the brain that produce hypocretin.Ĭertain triggers may also increase a person's risk of developing narcolepsy including: Narcolepsy seems to occur when a person has low levels of a certain brain chemical called hypocretin, which helps control wakefulness and REM sleep. It is thought genetics may play a role in developing the condition. Cataplectic facies, which is characterized by repetitive mouth opening, sticking the tongue out, and drooping eyelids.Involuntary movements that may range from negative such as low muscle tone, to active, such as involuntary muscle movements.Symptoms of narcolepsy in children may include: Night-time compulsive behaviors such as sleep-related eating disorder and nocturnal smokingĬhildren with narcolepsy rarely have all four main symptoms.Paralysis may be relieved by stimulating the senses, such as touching or speaking to the person.Paralysis occurs less often if the patient is sleeping in an uncomfortable position.Hallucinations frequently occur along with the paralysis.Being unable to move in the moments before falling asleep or awakening.Transitioning from being awake to being asleep (hypnagogic hallucinations).Breathing and eye movements are maintained.Subtle forms of cataplexy may occur with partial loss of muscle tone such as a head nod, altered speech, and knee buckling.Severe cataplexy may cause a person to fall.Cataplexy is typically triggered by emotions such as laughter and anger.Sleepiness may be severe and constant, with periods of falling asleep without warning ( sleep attacks).Severe EDS leads to involuntary sleepiness during daily activities such as driving, eating, or talking.EDS must be present for at least 3 months to diagnose narcolepsy.The four main symptoms of narcolepsy in adults are: What Are Symptoms of Narcolepsy (Falling Asleep Randomly)?
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