Causes and Solutions to Daytime Sleepiness
Daytime sleepiness can only be considered as only a small disturbance when it is mild and sporadic. But when it is repeated daily and becomes excessive, it is called hypersomnia and can affect the quality of life. It is essential to know if it is due to sleep disorders or if it is caused by other causes that affect health.
What is Daytime Sleepiness?
Mild Daytime Sleepiness
Mild daytime drowsiness usually occurs in people with mild to moderate sleep disorders. Poor quality sleep prevents them from getting enough rest, and during the day, they often feel drowsy. This situation improves with quality sleep.
Severe Daytime Sleepiness
This is a common problem that arises day after day. It is known as hypersomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness. Its origin can be diverse, which is essential to find the right solution in each case.
Severe sleep disorders are at the origin of this problem, such as severe sleep apnea, a possible significant sleep disorder in which breathing stops and starts repeatedly. But there are also others related to health since some diseases are associated with a symptom of extreme daytime sleepiness. Some of them are, for instance, diabetes B, chronic fatigue syndrome, or depression.
There is also a rare but hereditary disease called idiopathic hypersomnia, which presents this symptom. If you think you or someone close to you may have this condition, we recommend seeing a specialist.
How to Fix Mild Daytime Sleepiness?
Find Out the Source
This is usually due to lack of sleep and not getting quality sleep. But, ask yourself what the source of these sleep disorders is? It is essential to find out to solve the problems of daytime sleepiness.
If you are caring for elderly people who suffer from this problem, it is crucial that you know if they are suffering from sleep disorders or if other issues prevent them from sleeping well. Especially if you care for older people with disabilities at home or caring for older people with disabilities.
Be aware that problems such as pain, worry, fear, or an uncomfortable bed position can make it challenging to get a good night’s sleep. And they are the cause of daytime sleepiness. If you discover any of these causes by observing the elderly person or asking if they can communicate. It will be easier for you to find practical solutions to your problem.
Sometimes, it can be challenging to find out the real origin of mild daytime sleepiness. In this case, you can consult a doctor and also take steps to suggest remedies to sleep and get the most appropriate sleep in each case.
Take Steps to Promote Quality Sleep
The simplest and most important way to get started is to establish a sleep routine. And to improve the environment to make it more comfortable, calm, welcoming, and pleasant, to achieve quality sleep.
Adopt Better Habits
Issues such as avoiding harmful substances such as alcohol, tobacco or excess caffeine help people sleep better. Besides, promoting an active lifestyle within the limits that a person may have due to age and health contributes to maintaining a healthy endocrine system. And this is essential to enjoy quality sleep.
It is also important to take care of one’s diet to prevent deficits that cause problems that lead to daytime sleepiness. This is the case with anemia, for example.
Taking care of one’s mental health through cognitive stimulation activities and fulfilling social life is another right decision. They will help prevent depression, one of the causes of daytime sleepiness.
How to Fix Intense Daytime Sleepiness?
Consult a Doctor
As mentioned before, daytime sleepiness, when chronic and excessive, can be caused by certain diseases. Some medications can also be the cause. In these cases, it is essential to consult a doctor.
Some of the illnesses that cause it can have serious consequences, and abandoning the mediation at the root of this problem can also be a disastrous decision; therefore, it is a matter of well-being and quality of life and of health.
It is necessary to identify the type of daytime sleepiness and its causes to take the steps needed to provide an effective solution to this problem. And prevent it from negatively affecting the health and quality of life of those who suffer from it. Have you ever suffered from mild daytime sleepiness and were able to solve it? How did you proceed? Leave your tips in the comments below.