Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is characterized by the inability to stay awake or alert during the waking hours of the day. EDS is different from chronic fatigue which is feeling as though you lack physical or mental energy.
Causes
Medications: anxiety medications, pain medications, sedatives, antihistamines, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics
Sleep Disorders: sleep apnea, narcolepsy
Insufficient Sleep
Certain neurological, psychiatric, and physical conditions
Diagnosis and Treatment
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness is a diagnosis based on a thorough interview. You may be asked to fill out an Epworth Sleepiness Score or Sleep Questionnaire to help identify your symptoms and determine the severity. Treatment for EDS is focused on treating the cause. Your medication list and past medical history will be reviewed to help identify any identifiable causes. If sleep apnea is the suspected cause of your EDS, a sleep study may be indicated.