Excessive Daytime Sleepiness :To Be Cared For
Do you find yourself yawning throughout the day? Get to the source of that sleep loss.
Excessive daytime sleepiness is rarely due to a sleep problem, a recent study suggests. In fact, research shows it may be more likely due to an underlying and treatable health condition, such as diabetes, excess weight, or a mood disorder. A trip to a healthcare provider’s office is the first step in getting on the path toward better sleep.
Nearly 9 percent of people in a recent study were found to suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), a condition that makes it difficult to function during the day. Researchers found common medical conditions, such as depression, diabetes, and obesity, were associated more often with EDS than sleep apnea. Smoking was found to be a risk factor for EDS as well. That’s not to say some cases of EDS aren’t associated with sleep apnea; it’s just that other medical conditions are more likely the cause. EDS was more likely to be associated with depression in people under the age of 30, while EDS in those over 75 was more likely to be associated with a health problem. Signs of sleep apnea include snoring, waking up gasping at night for air, and morning headaches.