STRUGGLING WITH EXCESSIVE DAYTIME SLEEPINESS

A level of sleepiness sufficient to interfere with daily activities is called excessive daytime sleepiness or in short EDS. During this phase, there is an uncontrollable urge to sleep or take a nap during productive hours of the day.

Currently, about 20% of the population is suffering from this problem across all age groups affecting people from all walks of life. However the assessment of its true prevalence is difficult because of the subjective nature of the symptom. People use subjective terminology (e.g., drowsiness, languor, inertness, fatigue, sluggishness) when describing symptoms of excessive daytime. Excessive daytime sleepiness can have diverse and serious consequences. It is one of the significant factors behind road accidents that results in traumatic injuries and deaths all over the world. Sleepy adolescents also have considerably lower levels of academic performance, increased school tardiness, and lower exam scores than other students.

There are many reasons that results in Excessive daytime sleepiness such as sleep deprivation, medication effects, illicit substance use, and most importantly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

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Giving his note, Dr. Srinivas Kishore , ENT, Star Hospital, said, “Excessive daytime sleepiness is the most common symptom of OSA. A sleep disorder caused by blockage of the upper airway, OSA results in episodes of cessation of breathing (apneas) or a reduction in airflow (hypopneas), and is defined as greater than or equal to five apneic or hypopnea episodes per hour of sleep. These events induce recurrent hypoxia and repetitive arousals from sleep. Sleep-related breathing disorders may be significantly under-recognized as causes of excessive daytime sleepiness. One study estimated that 93 percent of women and 82 percent of men with moderate to severe OSA are undiagnosed.”

Approximately 25% of people with untreated OSA report frequently falling asleep while driving. Because of associated daytime sleepiness, reduced vigilance, and inattention, persons with OSA may have work performance difficulties and are at a high risk of being involved in occupational incidents.

Although some patients report daytime sleepiness, most are far sleepier than they realize. Questionnaires such as the Stanford Sleepiness Scale and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale are validated and the assessments of daytime sleepiness that can be used as screening tests (as depicted below). A test score in excess of 12 on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale or a patient history of falling asleep while driving are clear indications that further evaluation and work-up are required. It involves medical history, physical examination, and laboratory assessment to evaluate patients at risk of medical or psychological causes of secondary excessive daytime sleepiness. In most cases, overnight polysomnography (sleep study) is required to confirm the diagnosis of OSA.

If OSA is not confirmed by polysomnography in a patient who has significant excessive daytime sleepiness, or if sleepiness persists in a patient with OSA despite appropriate therapy, further investigation is required to quantify the level of daytime sleepiness and evaluate for the potential diagnosis of narcolepsy.

Addressing the underlying cause is the mainstay of treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness. Positive pressure devices (e.g., CPAP) or surgery improves the symptoms of daytime sleepiness in most patients. For further details contact- 94403 31777

To know more, meet Dr. Srinivas Kishore, ENT Specialist at Star Hospitals.

The ENT department at STAR Hospitals provides a wide range of services and maintains the highest standard of medical care. Our team is focused on the overall welfare of our patients and their families, aiming to restore quality of life with the highest degree of professionalism.

Book Appointment: Dr. Srinivas Kishore, ENT Specialist at Star Hospitals