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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Sudden Daytime Sleepiness?

I am a 53-year-old woman. In the last several years, I seem to have a problem with falling asleep while watching TV or working at the computer. I have no control over it. It is almost like I pass out. I am usually out for 15 to 30 minutes and then I wake up. My blood sugar is normal. My blood pressure is a little high, but I am taking medication. I am a smoker and I am overweight. The weird thing about it is that it doesn t seem to be related to how much sleep I get. If I haven t gotten enough sleep, I may feel tired, but I don t pass out just sitting there. It may sound strange, but whatever this thing is, I am convinced it is not related to how much sleep I am getting. It is different from that. I am stressed out most of the time, so I don t know if increased Cortisol levels could be causing this? My symptoms seem to suggest Narcolepsy, but I am unable to find a cause or a cure for Narcolepsy. I could use some help with this, as I sometimes fall asleep at my computer at work. I can t afford to lose my job! Thank you! Theresa
posted on Sun, 24 Jul 2016
Twitter Mon, 26 Aug 2019 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 30 Aug 2019 Last reviewed on
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello,

In my opinion, there is no reason to be worried and usually, this is just temporary and self-limiting. Excessive daytime sleepiness is common issues and should be considered in this case.

Excessive daytime sleepiness may be caused by conditions such as sleep deprivation, metabolic disturbances, sleep apnoea, medications, neurological disorders such as seizures and psychiatric disorders such as depression.

If emotional causes are ruled out then some tests can be done to confirm the diagnosis.

In my opinion, polysomnography ( sleep study ), is one of the necessary examinations in order to achieve a correct diagnosis. Please discuss with primary care Doctor about these issues.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Ivan R. Rommstein, General Surgeon
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What Causes Sudden Daytime Sleepiness?

Hello, In my opinion, there is no reason to be worried and usually, this is just temporary and self-limiting. Excessive daytime sleepiness is common issues and should be considered in this case. Excessive daytime sleepiness may be caused by conditions such as sleep deprivation, metabolic disturbances, sleep apnoea, medications, neurological disorders such as seizures and psychiatric disorders such as depression. If emotional causes are ruled out then some tests can be done to confirm the diagnosis. In my opinion, polysomnography ( sleep study ), is one of the necessary examinations in order to achieve a correct diagnosis. Please discuss with primary care Doctor about these issues. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Ivan R. Rommstein, General Surgeon