Excessive daytime sleepiness

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Excessive daytime sleep ( EDS ) is characterized by persistent drowsiness and often lack of energy in general, even during the day after a sufficient or even long enough night's sleep. EDS can be considered a broad condition that includes some sleep disorders where increased sleep is a symptom, or as a symptom of other underlying disorders such as narcolepsy, sleep apnea or sleep disorders circadian rhythms.

Some people with EDS, including those with hypersomnias such as narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia, are forced to nap repeatedly during the day; fighting an increasingly strong urge to sleep during inappropriate times such as driving, work, eating, or in conversation. As the drive to sleep increases, the ability to complete tasks decreases sharply, often mimicking the appearance of intoxication. During the occasional unique and/or stimulating circumstances, a person with EDS can sometimes remain animated, aware and alert, for short or long periods of time. EDS may affect the ability to function in a family, social, occupation, or other setting. Proper diagnosis of the underlying cause and ultimately the treatment of underlying symptoms and/or causes can help reduce the complications.

Video Excessive daytime sleepiness

Diagnosis

Adults who are forced to nap repeatedly during the day may have excessive daytime sleepiness; However, it is important to distinguish between daytime sleepiness and excessive daytime sleepiness, which is chronic.

A number of tools for screening for EDS have been developed. One of them is the Epworth Duck Scale that gives value to the results of the questionnaire. The ESS produces a numerical score of zero (0) to 24 where a score of ten [10] or higher can indicate that the person should consult a specialist in sleeping pills for further evaluation.

Another tool is the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), which has been used since the 1970s. This is used to measure the time taken from the beginning of the period of daytime sleep to the first signs of sleep, called sleep latency. This test is based on the idea that people who are more sleepy, the sooner they fall asleep.

Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) is also used to assess daytime sleepiness quantitatively. This test is performed at the sleep diagnostic center. This test is similar to MSLT. However, during this test the patient is instructed to try to stay awake.

Maps Excessive daytime sleepiness

Cause

EDS can be a symptom of a number of factors and disorders. Specialists in sleeping pills are trained to diagnose them. Some of them:

• The quality or quantity of an inadequate night's sleep.
• Misalignment of the body's circadian body pacemaker with the environment (eg jet lag, shift work or other circadian rhythm sleep disorders).
• Other underlying sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy, sleep apnea, idiopathic hypersomnia, or restless leg syndrome.
• Disorders such as clinical depression or atypical depression.
• Tumors, head trauma, anemia, renal failure, hypothyroidism, or injury to the central nervous system.
• Drug abuse.
• Genetic predisposition
• Vitamin deficiency, such as Biotin deficiency
• Special class of prescription drugs and OTC

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Treatment

EDS treatment relies on identifying and treating the underlying disorders that can cure people from EDS. Drugs such as modafinil, Armodafinil, Xyrem (sodium oxybate) oral solution, have been approved as a treatment for EDS symptoms in the US. There is a decrease in the use of other drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), amphetamine (Adderall), lisdexamfetamine. (Vyvanse), methamphetamine (Desoxyn), and pemoline (Cylert), because these psychostimulants may have some side effects and may cause dependence when illegally abused.

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See also

• Kleine-Levin syndrome

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References

Source of the article : Wikipedia