Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is not the same as feeling tired all the time. Instead, it’s a persistent urge to sleep during typical waking hours. EDS can be linked to a number of underlying causes, including sleep disorders, medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and medications.
It’s natural to feel tired once in a while. Life can be stressful; sleep isn’t always quality. And sometimes, it’s just “one of those days.” Experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), however, is much more than just feeling fatigued.
EDS is part of a broader type of sleep dysregulation called hypersomnia (also known as hypersomnolence).
Hypersomnia includes EDS, a persistent, overwhelming urge to sleep during your normal waking hours, as well as prolonged nighttime sleeping, or sleeping beyond what’s typical or necessary for your age and overall health.
You can experience EDS, prolonged nighttime sleeping, or both with hypersomnia, but living with EDS doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll experience extended overnight slumber, too.
For many people, EDS is a symptom of an underlying condition and not a stand-alone diagnosis. Your doctor can help you determine the cause of EDS so it can be treated at its source.
Only your doctor can diagnose the underlying cause of your EDS. However, becoming familiar with conditions that may lead to EDS can help inform their diagnosis.
Central disorders of hypersomnolence
Central disorders of hypersomnolence are a group of central nervous system disorders that feature EDS, prolonged nighttime sleep, or both. They include conditions like:
- narcolepsy type 1
- narcolepsy type 2
- idiopathic hypersomnia
- Kleine-Levin syndrome
These conditions all involve dysfunction that affects parts of the brain responsible for sleep regulation. This can lead to EDS, prolonged nighttime sleeping, or both.
Sleep deprivation
EDS is a common symptom of sleep deprivation. Without enough sleep, you may experience an overwhelming urge to sleep during the day.
Sleep deprivation happens when you don’t get enough sleep over a long period of time. Not getting enough sleep impairs your body’s ability to perform important functions, leading to physical and psychological symptoms.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute,
Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing stops and starts many times during sleep. It is
Breathing disruptions from sleep apnea can jolt you out of sleep, even if you aren’t aware it’s happening. These periods of waking can interrupt your sleep cycle and restorative sleep stages.
According to a 2021 review, as many as
Neurological conditions
Along with central disorders of hypersomnolence, other neurological conditions can affect your sleep function. This impaired sleep can lead to EDS.
Examples of neurological conditions that may cause EDS include:
- brain tumor or injury
- Parkinson’s disease
- multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Alzheimer’s disease
Restless leg syndrome
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a movement disorder characterized by the irresistible urge to move your legs. Symptoms of RLS often worsen at night.
Nighttime leg movements with RLS can prevent you from falling asleep, contributing to excessive daytime sleepiness.
Depression
Sleep disorders like hypersomnia and insomnia are common symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD).
The link between sleep and depression is not fully understood. However, brain chemical imbalances and other physical and psychological factors may play a role.
A 2019 study suggests as many as 50.8% of people with major depression may experience EDS.
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a condition that affects many systems in your body. It
Experiencing sleep disorders with ME/CFS
Anemia
Anemia is a condition that occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells.
Because red blood cells help transport oxygen throughout your body, anemia may lower the oxygen supply to your cells, making you feel tired.
Additionally, a 2020 analysis suggests that adults with anemia are more likely to experience insomnia, which could contribute to EDS.
Excessive daytime sleepiness can be a side effect of many types of medications, including:
- antidepressants
- anxiety medications
- antihistamines
- blood pressure medications
- antipsychotics
- prescription pain medications
- antiepileptic drugs
If you experience EDS while taking medication, talk with your doctor. They can determine whether sleepiness may be a side effect.
EDS can also be a side effect of lifestyle factors that cause you to lose sleep. Even if you don’t meet the criteria for a sleep disorder, regularly missing sleep can lead to excessive sleepiness during the day.
Factors that may contribute to a chronic lack of sleep include:
- sleep hygiene issues, such as with sleep schedule or bedtime habits
- poor sleep environment
- sedentary lifestyle
- shift work
- substance use
- chronic stress
- unhealthy diet
- dehydration
Treating EDS typically involves addressing the underlying cause. However, practicing the following sleep hygiene tips can help boost your alertness throughout the day:
- Keep a consistent sleep-wake schedule.
- Make sure your sleep environment is cool, dark, and quiet.
- Avoid stimulants like caffeine close to bedtime.
- Find ways to relax without sleep medications
- Avoid medications that can cause sleepiness during the day.
- Avoid high-carbohydrate meals and foods that spike your blood sugar during the day.
- Spend more time in brightly lit spaces.
- Try taking a short nap early in the day to avoid impacting nighttime sleep.
Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is an overwhelming, persistent urge to sleep during typical waking hours. It can be a symptom of some sleep disorders.
EDS can also be caused by physical and psychological conditions that affect sleep and lifestyle factors, like chronic stress or shift work.
Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about EDS. They can perform tests to help determine the underlying cause.
