 | | | | Medical Health Encyclopedia | |
Drowsiness
Definition:
Drowsiness refers to feeling abnormally sleepy during the day -- often with a strong tendency to actually fall asleep in inappropriate situations or at inappropriate times. Alternative Names:
Sleepiness - during the day; Hypersomnia; Somnolence Text Continues Below
Considerations:
Excessive daytime sleepiness (without a known cause) suggests the presence of a significant sleep disorder and is different from fatigue. Although depression,anxiety, stress, and boredom can contribute to excessive sleepiness, these conditions more typically cause fatigue and apathy. Common Causes:
- Self-imposed short sleep time
- Medications (tranquilizers, sleeping pills, antihistamines)
- Sleep disorders (such as sleep apnea syndrome and narcolepsy)
- Other medical conditions (such as hypothyroidism, hypercalcemia, and hypo/hypernatremia)
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
| |
|
.gif)
