Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a disorder whereby the victim experiences drowsiness during the day and has an overwhelming urge to fall asleep, even though he or she has had enough nighttime sleep. People inflicted with EDS frequently doze, nap or fall asleep in situations where they need or want to be fully awake and alert. This can be dangerous at times, such as when driving or operating some hazardous machinery.
Excessive daytime sleepiness can interfere significantly with someone's ability to concentrate and perform daily tasks and routines. People with the disorder often report feelings of low self-esteem, frustration, and anger about being misunderstood and regarded as unintelligent, lazy or uninterested in learning. They also have difficulty with relationships as in the social situation, the workplace and within the family.
People with EDS usually do not realise that they actually have problems with it. They do not see their sleepiness as a problem, and may not even recognise the extent of their sleepiness as they are accustomed to a lower level of "alertness" which they perceive to be normal. It is often the people around the person who is experiencing EDS to see the victim's sleepiness as abnormal and as a problem.
Causes for excessive daytime sleepiness include insufficient sleep and other underlying sleep disorders. EDS due to insufficient sleep can be cured by getting enough nighttime sleep. However, if it is not due to insufficient sleep, one has to refer to a health care provider for help. Tests may be required to find out the cause of the disorder and if all physical examinations and tests show nothing wrong, the individual may have to be deferred to a sleep center for further testing and work up with a sleep specialist to find out the causes for EDS.