Daytime Sleepiness – Is this a Disorder?
This question has bugged millions of people around the world. Don’t be bitter though, because not only you experience this condition. Together, let us answer the taunting question.
Daytime sleepiness is caused by habits we usually neglect and fail to recognize as the main culprit behind too much sleep. One thing, not having enough sleep the night before keeps you sleepy during the day. The body compensates by catching up with lost sleep. However if this craving for sleep due to sleep deprivation if not resolved makes you feel uncomfortable, irritable, dizzy and out of focus. It also causes accidents and other untoward incidents. It is such a nasty state to be in because it interferes with work, study and other activities of daily living.
We’re halfway through answering the questions behind daytime sleepiness. Improper use and time spacing when taking medications lead to the said condition. Anti allergy drugs like Benadryl or Decolgen have side effects that induce sleep. It is recommended to take these drugs at bedtime to avoid daytime sleepiness. The same goes with alcohol intake, depressant, tranquilizers or barbiturates so it is better to consult and seek for the doctor’s advice before taking medicines.
A disorder called narcolepsy is the chronic condition wherein the Circadian Rhythm or the sleep-wake regulation of the body is altered causing daytime narcolepsy. The patient is unable or has minimal control over falling asleep it can happen anytime and anywhere during the day for a couple of seconds to a few minutes. It happens while cooking, eating, playing sports, having intercourse, and at worst times while driving leading to accidents.
Daytime sleepiness disorder though is not that common but still it affects people from all races around the world. There are formulated theories but the theory which explains that it is caused by alterations in the electrical processes in the brain is the most accepted.
