There really comes a time that we can’t prevent to get sleep during daytime. However, there are some people who regularly experience daytime sleepiness. Daytime sleepiness can be caused by various sleep disorders and it can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Daytime sleepiness can really affect a person’s daily life. If daytime sleepiness occurs every single day, it can severely interfere with their performance at work, school, and even at home. Many sufferers of daytime sleepiness even find it hard and dangerous to drive a car. For daytime sleepiness to be effectively treated, the cause should be determined.

Narcolepsy and Daytime Sleepiness

As mentioned earlier, daytime sleepiness can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Daytime sleepiness can be a symptom of narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a type of sleeping disorder that is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks during inappropriate times. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, narcolepsy’s ration in Americans is 1:2000. Narcolepsy has no known treatment, however, narcolepsy symptoms can be controlled by giving antidepressants and stimulants.

Medications and Daytime Sleepiness

There are a number of certain medications that can cause daytime sleepiness. You may be taking medications that cause you to experience daytime sleepiness without you knowing. Some medications that can cause daytime sleepiness include:

• Muscle Relaxants
• Antihistamines
• Tranquilizers
• Pain Medications

If those medications are taken during the day, it is most likely for you to experience daytime sleepiness. To be safe, if you are taking medications that can cause daytime sleepiness, please do avoid driving cars and doing other activities, such as cooking, that can produce life-threatening situations.

Sleep Deprivation and Daytime Sleepiness

If you are sleep deprived, you will most likely feel very tired and sleepy during the day. That is your body’s way to compensate for lost sleep. There can be a lot of possible factors that can cause sleep deprivation and lead to daytime sleepiness. Common causes of sleep deprivation include:

• Stress
• Uncomfortable Sleeping Environment
• Jet Lag
• Certain Medical Conditions
• Insomnia

Lifestyle and Daytime Sleepiness

If you live an unhealthy and sedentary lifestyle, you will most likely experience daytime sleepiness. Sleeping very late at night on a regular basis can usually cause episodes of daytime sleepiness. Aside from poor sleeping habits, diet can also contribute to daytime sleepiness. People who consume food high in sugar levels are most likely to experience daytime sleepiness. A simple change in sleeping habits and diet can help in eliminating daytime sleepiness and it can also improve your overall health.