Excessive daytime sleepiness: what it is, why it occurs, and how to treat it. It affects 20% of the population and can cause accidents, illness, and poor performance.
Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) , also known as hypersomnia , has become one of the leading causes of visits to sleep clinics, according to the National Sleep Foundation.
This disorder, which affects 20% of the population, manifests as a persistent inability to stay awake and alert during the day, even after seemingly having slept enough.
Specialists warn that excessive daytime sleepiness compromises daily functioning and represents a serious public health problem.
Driving, studying, or working under the influence can be risky and significantly reduce productivity. It is also associated with physical and mental illness.
More than just “being sleepy”: an underestimated disorder
“ Daytime sleepiness is not the same as occasional sleepiness,” clarified Dr. Silvana Malnis, a pulmonologist at the German Hospital. “It’s a condition that interferes with daily life and can have multiple causes.” Dr. Joaquín Diez, a sleep medicine specialist, agreed: “It can be due to insomnia, sleep apnea, poor sleep habits, or even neurological diseases .”
Adolescents, older adults, and people with shift work are the groups most likely to suffer from EDS. Irregular schedules and prolonged exposure to screens also disrupt the circadian rhythm, the biological system that regulates sleep and wakefulness.
Common causes and risk factors
Among the most common causes of daytime sleepiness are chronic sleep deprivation, respiratory disorders such as sleep apnea, and the use of sedative medications such as antihistamines or antidepressants. Other associated conditions include restless legs syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and narcolepsy.
The circadian rhythm, which depends on exposure to natural light, can also be disrupted by night shift work or excessive use of electronic devices before bed, generating a metabolic and emotional impact.
Impact on safety and health
One of the greatest dangers of daytime sleepiness is its impact on traffic and work-related accidents. According to the organization Luchemos por la Vida (Let’s Fight for Life), up to 30% of road accidents in Argentina are linked to sleep deprivation. Falling asleep at the wheel, even for a few seconds, can have fatal consequences.
“Driving requires full attention. Drowsiness impairs reflexes, judgment, and reaction time,” warned María Cristina Isoba, president of the civil association.
In the health field, EDS is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline, underscoring its comprehensive impact on well-being.
How Daytime Sleepiness Is Diagnosed?
Diagnosing EDS requires specialized testing. The most commonly used tests are nocturnal polysomnography, the Multiple Sleep Latency Test, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, tools that help identify underlying disorders such as sleep apnea or narcolepsy.
Sleep diaries and clinical interviews are also used to create a profile of the patient’s habits and conditions. An accurate diagnosis is essential for defining personalized treatment.
Treatments and prevention strategies
Addressing EDS begins with implementing proper sleep hygiene: maintaining regular bedtimes and wake-up times, avoiding screen time before bed, taking care of your diet, limiting alcohol, and reducing medications that induce drowsiness.
In more complex cases, such as sleep apnea syndrome, CPAP devices may be indicated to keep the airways open during the night. For disorders such as narcolepsy or restless legs syndrome, drug treatments are combined with behavioral therapies.
Dr. Diez emphasized: “Sleep should be a daily priority. A good night’s sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s a biological necessity that improves mood, physical health, and confidence in all activities.”
Good sleep is good for health.
“People don’t appreciate the value of sleep,” concluded Dr. Malnis. “It’s not just about getting more sleep, but about understanding the role that rest plays in our overall health.” The expert called for a revaluation of sleep as a pillar of physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Recognizing the symptoms of daytime sleepiness and seeking medical attention early can prevent accidents and illnesses and improve your quality of life. Sleep isn’t a waste of time; it’s an investment in your health.