While it’s natural to feel sleepy once in a while, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a sign of an underlying problem. It can be caused by sleep disorders, medical conditions, medications and lifestyle factors.

Mental health conditions like depression and bipolar disorder are linked to sleepiness as well as neurological disorders such as narcolepsy. The best way to break through EDS is by addressing the underlying issue.

1. Drink a glass of water

While it’s normal to feel sleepy at times, if the feeling is persistent or you fall asleep repeatedly throughout the day, you may have excessive daytime sleepiness. This condition, also known as hypersomnia, is a symptom of many sleep disorders and other health conditions.

Drinking water throughout the day is a great way to stay hydrated and fight fatigue. Avoid drinks with caffeine or sugar, as these can dehydrate you and cause more sleepiness.

Modalert 200If you are experiencing persistent feelings of sleepiness, talk to your doctor. complete health assessment and a review of your medications can help identify the root cause. Treatment will vary depending on what’s causing your symptoms, but can include medication to improve wakefulness or treatment for underlying medical conditions such as narcolepsy or sleep apnea.

2. Take a walk

Although it's normal to feel sleepy once in a while when you are short on sleep, repeated bouts of excessive daytime sleepiness may be a sign of an underlying condition. You should see your doctor if this problem persists.

Walking can give you a natural energy boost, especially if you take it regularly throughout the day. Try taking a 10-minute walk at each meal break at work or when you find yourself feeling sleepy.

Your doctor will run tests and ask you questions about your sleep habits to find the cause of your problems. They will also ask about any medications you are taking and may even ask your bed partner whether or not you snore or move around during the night. They may refer you to a specialist if they suspect an underlying sleep disorder is the culprit.

4. Turn on the fan

Excessive daytime sleepiness, also known as hypersomnolence, is a common problem that can result from many different conditions. It may also be a warning sign for other health problems such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease.

Modafinil 200It is normal to feel sleepy once in a while after being short on sleep, but repeated episodes of drowsiness are considered excessive by the experts. Getting fragmented or poor-quality sleep may increase feelings of drowsiness during the day because it disrupts your sleep cycle and deprives you of restorative slow-wave sleep.

Extreme drowsiness may be a sign of a sleep disorder such as narcolepsy, which affects the brain’s ability to regulate the wake-sleep cycle. A visit to a sleep doctor or health care provider can help you determine the root cause and develop a treatment plan that includes a combination of strategies.

5. Get some natural light

Getting some natural light can help to reduce the effects of excessive daytime sleepiness. Exposure to sunlight in the morning helps to stimulate the release of norepinephrine, epinephrine and cortisol, which all contribute to alertness.

Unlike fatigue, which is more of an energy problem, excessive sleepiness interferes with your daily life. It can lead to drowsy driving, work and school performance issues and problems with relationships.

Excessive sleepiness can be caused by a number of health conditions, including thyroid disorders, cancer and obstructive sleep apnea. It can also be a symptom of some medications and psychiatric disorders. If your drowsiness persists, talk to your doctor. They may suggest some lifestyle changes or prescribe medication to combat your drowsiness. They may even refer you to a specialist who can treat your condition

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness - How to Break the Cycle and Improve Your Alertness

How to Break the Cycle and Improve Your Alertness