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Related Concept Videos

Narcolepsy01:07

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
Sleep-Wake Cycles01:24

Sleep-Wake Cycles

Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and  rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
Sleep Apnea01:21

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep, often leading to significant health issues. Each episode can last from 10 to 20 seconds or more and is frequently accompanied by a brief arousal from sleep. This disturbance, largely unnoticed by the individual, can lead to severe daytime fatigue. Commonly, individuals seek help after being informed by their partners about loud snoring and noticeable breathing pauses during sleep.
The condition is more prevalent among...
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep01:24

Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep

Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation01:13

Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation

Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking01:17

Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking

Somnambulism, commonly known as sleepwalking, involves individuals engaging in activities ranging from simple walking to more complex behaviors such as driving. Sleepwalking typically occurs during the slow-wave sleep stages 3 and 4 early in the night when the person is not dreaming, contradicting the myth that sleepwalkers are acting out their dreams.
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...

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Collecting Sleep, Circadian, Fatigue, and Performance Data in Complex Operational Environments
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Published on: August 8, 2019

Excessive daytime sleepiness in sleep disorders.

Gemma Slater1, Joerg Steier

  • 1School of Medicine, King's College London, London, UK;

Journal of Thoracic Disease
|December 4, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Excessive daytime sleepiness affects 18% of people and stems from poor sleep quantity or quality. Addressing underlying causes like sleep apnea and promoting good sleep hygiene are key treatments.

Keywords:
Sleepdepressionnocturnal myoclonus syndromeobesityobstructivesleep apnoea

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Public Health
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a widespread public health issue, affecting up to 18% of the community.
  • EDS results from inadequate sleep quantity or quality, influenced by various neurological, psychological, cardiac, and pulmonary conditions.
  • Key risk factors include obesity, depression, advanced age, and insufficient sleep.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the causes, risk factors, and management strategies for excessive daytime sleepiness.
  • To highlight the clinical significance and potential dangers of untreated sleepiness.
  • To discuss the mechanisms underlying common causes of EDS, such as obstructive sleep apnea and periodic limb movement disorder.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on excessive daytime sleepiness.
  • Analysis of contributing factors and underlying mechanisms.
  • Discussion of current treatment approaches and clinical considerations.

Main Results:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea and periodic limb movement disorder are common clinical causes of EDS.
  • Intermittent hypoxia, sleep fragmentation, and autonomic dysregulation are implicated mechanisms.
  • Obesity-related EDS involves metabolic factors and inflammation beyond sleep apnea alone.
  • Depression and anxiety disorders are associated with increased sleepiness and reduced quality of life.

Conclusions:

  • Clinicians must recognize high-risk patients for EDS due to its debilitating and dangerous nature.
  • Treatment should target underlying conditions and emphasize sleep hygiene.
  • Stimulant medication may be necessary for managing severe daytime functioning impairments.