What Causes Excessive Sleepiness?

Posted on Sun, 21 Sep 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 21 Sep 2014 Answered on

Wed, 15 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : my mother is hypertensive and diabetic also since last one month I am observing she is sleeping a lot she sleeps whole day about 16 to 17 hrs in entire 24 hr pls advice as it seems she is developing sleeping disorder. what to do her age is 62 yrs

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr XXXXXXX

Thank you for posting your query.

I have noted your mother's symptoms. She needs to be evaluated to determine the underlying cause of her excessive sleepiness.

This would include checking the level of sodium in blood and thyroid hormones.

In addition, a sleep study (polysomnography) may be needed to confirm the sleeping disorder.

Treatment would depend on the exact cause of her excessive sleepiness.

I hope my reply has helped you.

I would be pleased to answer, if you have any follow up queries or if you require any further information.

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX
For DIRECT QUERY to me: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My blog: http://XXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (25 hours later)

as adviced my mother underwent following test and her report is s.sodium is 143, whereas T3 is 3.61 T4 is 15.67 TSH is 1.75

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
These blood reports are normal.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.

The blood reports are within normal limits.

You may proceed for the sleep study (polysomnography).

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar