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Alternative names
Sleepiness - during the day; Hypersomnia; SomnolenceDefinition Return to top
Drowsiness refers to feeling abnormally sleepy during the day -- often with a strong tendency to actually fall asleep in inappropriate situations or at inappropriate times.Considerations Return to top
Excessive daytime sleepiness (without a known cause) suggests the presence of a significant sleep disorder and is different from fatigue.Common Causes Return to top
Home Care Return to top
The cause must be treated.
For drowsiness due to depression, anxiety, boredom, stress, try to solve problems without professional help first.
For drowsiness due to medications, talk to your health care provider about switching medications or discontinuing them. DO NOT CHANGE MEDICATIONS WITHOUT FIRST CONSULTING YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.
For drowsiness due to obesity and hypoventilation (reduced breathing), weight loss is recommended, and your health care provider should be consulted.
Hypothyroidism, hypercalcemia, and hypo/hypernatremia are treated by your health care provider depending on the situation.
For drowsiness due to narcolepsy, stimulants (like Ritalin) may be prescribed.
For drowsiness due to other causes, seek medical help.
Call your health care provider if Return to top
What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |