Causes of Daytime Tiredness Question and Answer

Daytime tiredness is not just an occasional occurrence caused by lack of sleep, it is an actual medical condition known as excessive daytime sleepiness, or EDS. It is one of the most common sleep-related problems, affecting an estimated 20 percent of Americans. People with EDS are at risk of motor vehicle and work-related accidents, and have poorer health than adults who get an adequate amount of sleep. The most common causes of EDS are sedation medications, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and sleep deprivation. Other potential causes of EDS include sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy, and certain medical and psychiatric conditions. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a particularly significant cause of EDS, affecting an estimated 26 to 32 percent of adults, who are either at risk of OSA or have a confirmed diagnosis. The evaluation and management of EDS is based on the identification and treatment of underlying conditions (such as narcolepsy and OSA).

There are many reasons why you may feel sleepy throughout the day, which may be attributed to:

– Poor dietary choices, including skipping meals
– Vitamin deficiency, such as vitamins D and B12, iron, magnesium or potassium
– Lack of sleep
– Being overweight or obese
– Sedentary lifestyles
– Stress
– Depression
– Sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea
– Chronic fatigue syndrome
– Fibromyalgia
– Certain medications
– Diabetes

Sleep deprivation is the leading cause of daytime tiredness and can have several different etiologies, including:

– Failure to Prioritize Sleep
– Insomnia
– Sleep Apnea
– Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
– Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorders
– Poor Sleep Quality
– Pain
– Frequent Nighttime Urination

These conditions can cause excessive daytime sleepiness:

Allergies
Hay Fever
Viral or Bacterial Infections, including:
– Flu
– Mononucleosis
– COVID-19
– Cytomegalovirus
– Hepatitis
– HIV
– Pneumonia
– Meningitis
– Those causing encephalitis (swelling of the brain)
Fibromyalgia
Food Allergies
Food Intolerance
Heart Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Sleep Disorders, including:
– Sleep Apnea
– Insomnia
– Narcolepsy
– Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
– REM sleep behavior disorder
Mental health disorders, including:
– Bipolar disorder
– Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
– General anxiety disorder
– Depression
Neurodegenerative diseases, including:
– Dementia
– Parkinson’s Disease
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussions
Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as:
– Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
– Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Metabolic problems, including:
– Diabetes
– Hypothyroidism
– Anemia
– Abnormal blood sodium levels
– Electrolyte imbalances

If you are constantly tired throughout the day, you may be experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness. At Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders, we know how important it is to get a good night’s rest and focus on determining the underlying cause of your sleep disorder for long-term relief. Call one of our convenient locations to start improving your quality of sleep today! We have locations in: Bloomington IL, Peoria – Dunlap IL, Mishawaka IN, Kansas City MO, El Paso TX and Wausau WI. All of our clinics are open from Monday to Thursday, with several of them also open on Friday or Saturday. A better quality of sleep is only a phone call away! We look forward to serving you!