Suffering From Excessive Sleepiness Problem. Cause And Cure?
Question: I have the sudden need to drop everything and go sleep for at least an hour to hour and a half. Sometimes it may be as long as three hours. Why
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
Your problem is one of excessive sleepiness. This needs to be evaluated.
One common reason is obstructive sleep apnea. In this condition, there are multiple periods of cessation of breathing (apnea) during night sleep period, leading to multiple awakenings and unrefreshed sleep. This necessitates daytime sleep.
Another cause to be excluded is thyroid hormone deficiency.
A brain stroke affecting hypothalamus region may also lead to excessive sleepiness.
You require a polysomnography (sleep study) to determine the details of your sleep disorder.
With proper treatment, your problem can resolve.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad
Thank you for posting your query.
Your problem is one of excessive sleepiness. This needs to be evaluated.
One common reason is obstructive sleep apnea. In this condition, there are multiple periods of cessation of breathing (apnea) during night sleep period, leading to multiple awakenings and unrefreshed sleep. This necessitates daytime sleep.
Another cause to be excluded is thyroid hormone deficiency.
A brain stroke affecting hypothalamus region may also lead to excessive sleepiness.
You require a polysomnography (sleep study) to determine the details of your sleep disorder.
With proper treatment, your problem can resolve.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar