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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Could Cause Excessive Sleep?

Hello Doctor, my dad is 85 years and he sleeps a lot and says that he is sleepy all the time...has breakfast and then sleeps, in between has a snack and falls asleep and the same with lunch. Overall he is in god health and still drives. Is this normal? Thank you Dr.
Fri, 29 Jul 2016
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Dear HCM user

If this is a sudden change from previous sleeping routine it can be a cause of concern. Few things need to be evaluated.
If he is on any long term medication the dose may need adjustment.
If there is history of any substance use like alcohol it needs to be controlled and treated.
some routine tests like CBC, RFT, LFT,TSH to ensure regular functioning of body and rule out nutrional deficiency or hormonal disturbance.
If along with this he also seems sad mostly, talks less, seems pessimistic, eats less, has hopelessness then he could be suffering from depression that is easily treatable.
As his age is more if this pproblem persists you must take notice along the above lines. These could be the common possibilities.
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What Could Cause Excessive Sleep?

Dear HCM user If this is a sudden change from previous sleeping routine it can be a cause of concern. Few things need to be evaluated. If he is on any long term medication the dose may need adjustment. If there is history of any substance use like alcohol it needs to be controlled and treated. some routine tests like CBC, RFT, LFT,TSH to ensure regular functioning of body and rule out nutrional deficiency or hormonal disturbance. If along with this he also seems sad mostly, talks less, seems pessimistic, eats less, has hopelessness then he could be suffering from depression that is easily treatable. As his age is more if this pproblem persists you must take notice along the above lines. These could be the common possibilities.