Do you also feel sleepy all day long? Let's talk about this sleepiness (Somnolence)

Do you sometimes feel sleepy and lethargic throughout the day? Do you find yourself drifting off to sleep while you're working, reading a newspaper, or even during an important meeting? This is something that many of us experience at some point. But if this sleepiness persists and interferes with our daily activities, it's important to look into it.

Simply put, what is somnolence?

We medically call this `Somnolence`. Simply put, this is the state of feeling tired and constantly wanting to sleep. Sometimes you may fall asleep without realizing it, even when you don't want to sleep, for example, while listening to a lecture or working in the office.

It's normal to feel sleepy before going to bed at night. However, excessive daytime sleepiness can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Or it can be a side effect of a medication you're taking. There are times when this can be dangerous. Just think about the kind of accident that can happen if you drive a car while drowsy.

So if you have this problem, it's best to see a doctor and find out what's causing it. Then you can get the treatment you need and feel refreshed again.

Do you also have these characteristics?

If you have this condition called `Somnolence`, you may also experience the following:

• Feeling tired during the day even though you get enough sleep at night .
• Always going to bed .
• Having trouble concentrating on anything.
• Feeling completely oblivious to where you are.
• Feeling like you don't have the strength to do the day's work.
• Difficulty making decisions, remembering new things, and learning.
• Slower reaction time than normal.
• Needing to drink a lot of coffee to stay awake throughout the day (e.g., more than 6 cups of coffee a day).

Are there main types of this sleepiness?

Yes, we are talking about two main types of this.

1. Postprandial somnolence: This is the "sleepiness that comes after eating" that we all know. Some people also call it "food coma." Imagine that you feel a little sleepy after eating a big meal, like a big meal, right? That's what this is. This is usually not dangerous.

2. Hypersomnia: This is a medical condition that requires some attention. In this case, even though you sleep well at night, you feel excessively sleepy during the day. This is not just sleepiness, it is a medical condition.

Why do we feel so sleepy?

There can be several reasons for this. The most common, harmless reason is boredom or a lack of interest in what is going on around you.

But sometimes, this excessive sleepiness can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. It can also occur as a side effect of some medications we take.

What can be done about this sleepiness?

If you feel sleepy occasionally, especially before going to bed at night, the best remedy is to sleep. After a good night's sleep, you can wake up refreshed.

The doctor will examine you and, if necessary, run some tests to find out exactly what is causing this. He will also ask about the medications you are taking to see if this is a side effect of a medication.

Treatment methods vary from person to person.

• If the cause is a side effect of a medication, the doctor will change the dosage of the medication or prescribe a different medication. Never stop taking your medication or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.
• If the cause is an underlying medical condition, the doctor will begin treatment for that condition.

What problems can arise if sleepiness is ignored?

Feeling sleepy during the day can be a major obstacle to our social relationships, work, or schoolwork. You may lose energy to do the things you enjoy, or you may not be able to get things done properly.

But more than that, this can be dangerous.

To avoid these problems, ask your doctor about the side effects of any new medication before you start it. If you feel tired or sleepy, let someone else drive the vehicle.

What can we do to prevent this situation?

It may not be possible to completely prevent this if it is caused by an underlying medical condition. However, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk:

• Improve your sleep habits (Sleep hygiene). Go to bed at the same time every day, and wake up at the same time. Stop looking at your phone, computer, and TV at least an hour before bed.
• Get the sleep your body needs. On average, an adult needs between 7-9 hours of sleep.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Find ways to reduce stress . Things like meditation and exercise can help.
• When you feel bored, engage in light physical activity like a short walk or have a snack.
• If you are taking medicine for a cold or allergy, choose non-drowsy types.
• Avoid using tobacco (nicotine) close to bedtime.

When should we talk to a doctor about this?

Be sure to see a doctor in the following cases:

• If this sleepiness is interfering with your daily activities to the point where you can't even do your daily tasks .
• If this has been going on for weeks and there is no improvement.
• If other symptoms (for example, mood changes, changes in sleep patterns, changes in body weight) occur along with drowsiness.

It's normal to feel sleepy at night after a hard day. But if you're constantly feeling sleepy during the day, don't ignore it. There could be many reasons for this, so it's wise to see a doctor for a checkup to find out the cause.

Drowsiness, Somnolence, Drowsiness, Excessive sleepiness, Daytime sleepiness, Hypersomnia, Causes of sleepiness, Sleep Apnea