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What Causes Sudden Episodes Of Drowsiness?

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Posted on Mon, 8 Aug 2016
Question: Why is it that sometimes I am suddenly overtaken by a strangely powerful sleepiness. When it happens one minute I am fine and then almost instantly my eyes close against my will and I start to go asleep wherever I am. Sights and sounds of the world around me become muffled and distant and my stream of thoughts stops,

I begin to feel dreamy. The whole thing lasts 30 to 40 minutes then passes off. It happens in runs of most afternoons for a week or two and the not again for a few months. It isnt linked to me sleeping poorly and I do not drink alchohol at all or use any drugs.
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Answered by Dr. Manisha Gopal (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
it cannbe either narcolepsy or epilepsy. please meet your doctor

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for writing to health care magic!

I have read your query and can see that you have a problem of excessive sleepiness attacks that come without willingness and catch you unprepared. They last for half an hour almost and may come after 7-30 days.

I think there are two possibilities for this-

1. Narcolepsy- where there is a sudden attack of sleep accompanying weakness in all body and patient can almost fall if he dosent lie down within few minutes. This is followed by deep sleep and perosn gets up on his won after 1/2-1 hour. But even after getting up he may not feel refreshed. These attacks do have a relation with hectic schedule or stressful time and they increase in such periods.

2. Epilepsy- This can be purely a seizure disorder. It will be diagnosed by an EEG and MRI scan. In such cases an antiepileptic is the line of treatment.

So, I think you must meet your GP and discuss the above situation and possibilities and seek treatment. I dont think it is advisable to ignore this symptoms.

I hope the reply is useful for you.
Wish you good health!

Feel free to ask more queries for clarification.
Dr. Manisha Gopal
MD Neuropsychiatry
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Manisha Gopal

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 947 Questions

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What Causes Sudden Episodes Of Drowsiness?

Brief Answer: it cannbe either narcolepsy or epilepsy. please meet your doctor Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for writing to health care magic! I have read your query and can see that you have a problem of excessive sleepiness attacks that come without willingness and catch you unprepared. They last for half an hour almost and may come after 7-30 days. I think there are two possibilities for this- 1. Narcolepsy- where there is a sudden attack of sleep accompanying weakness in all body and patient can almost fall if he dosent lie down within few minutes. This is followed by deep sleep and perosn gets up on his won after 1/2-1 hour. But even after getting up he may not feel refreshed. These attacks do have a relation with hectic schedule or stressful time and they increase in such periods. 2. Epilepsy- This can be purely a seizure disorder. It will be diagnosed by an EEG and MRI scan. In such cases an antiepileptic is the line of treatment. So, I think you must meet your GP and discuss the above situation and possibilities and seek treatment. I dont think it is advisable to ignore this symptoms. I hope the reply is useful for you. Wish you good health! Feel free to ask more queries for clarification. Dr. Manisha Gopal MD Neuropsychiatry