Experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness can stem from various factors. While inadequate nighttime sleep is a common contributor to feelings of tiredness, several sleep disorders can also result in excessive daytime sleepiness.
Feeling tired during the day is a common experience that many of us face. Whether it's a post-lunch slump at work or struggling to keep your eyes open during a movie, daytime tiredness can significantly affect our productivity and overall well-being. Naturally, the question arises: does daytime tiredness indicate that you need more sleep?
Daytime sleepiness is typically an indicator of certain sleep disorders, impacting the quality and quantity of sleep individuals experience each night. It's essential to differentiate daytime tiredness from fatigue.
[Also check: Death from a sleeping disorder! Hazards of sleep apnea if untreated]
Daytime Tiredness and Sleep Deprivation
If you consistently experience daytime tiredness, it's worth considering whether you are getting enough sleep. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. If you consistently fail to meet your recommended sleep duration, your daytime tiredness is a sign that you need more sleep.
Potential Disorders Causing Daytime Tiredness
1) Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and a tendency to experience sudden sleep attacks. People with narcolepsy often struggle with regulating their sleep-wake cycles, leading to an overwhelming urge to fall asleep during the day, even in inappropriate or potentially dangerous situations.
2) Hypersomnia
Oversleeping during the day is a symptom of the medical disease hypersomnia. People with hypersomnia often struggle with persistent feelings of sleepiness and may have difficulty staying awake during the day, despite getting adequate sleep at night. It can have a substantial effect on daily life and quality of life.
3) Delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD)
DSWPD, also known as delayed sleep phase syndrome or delayed sleep phase disorder, is a sleep disorder characterized by a significant delay in a person's sleep-wake cycle compared to the conventional or socially acceptable sleep schedule. Individuals with DSWPD typically have difficulty falling asleep at the desired bedtime and struggle to wake up at the desired waking time.
4) Non-24-Hour sleep-wake rhythm disorder
Non-24-hour sleep-wake rhythm disorder is a condition where the natural daily cycles (known as circadian rhythms) of most adults do not adhere to the standard 24-hour cycle that aligns with daylight and darkness. Instead, individuals with this disorder experience a lack of regularity in their sleep-wake patterns. A key symptom of this disorder is the presence of excessive daytime sleepiness, which can significantly impact daily functioning.
5) Obstructive sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is when individuals experience a narrowing or blockage in their upper airway during sleep, leading to episodes of interrupted breathing. These interruptions can result in individuals waking up momentarily, accompanied by choking or gasping for air. Moreover, this condition is accompanied by loud snoring, which further disturbs the affected person's sleep and their sleeping partners, ultimately leading to daytime fatigue.
[Also check: Effective exercises/Yoga to manage obstructive sleep apnea]
How Much Sleep Do You Need?
Sleep requirements vary according to age, lifestyle, and individual characteristics.
- Newborns (0-3 months): 14-17 hours
- Infants (4-11 months): 12-15 hours
- Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours
- Preschoolers (3-5 years): 10-13 hours
- School-age children (6-13 years): 9-11 hours
- Teenagers (14-17 years): 8-10 hours
- Adults (18-64 years): 7-9 hours
- Older adults (65 years and older): 7-8 hours
If you're feeling tired during the day following a night of inadequate sleep, there are ways to address your fatigue. One approach is to prioritize getting more rest, which can help alleviate your tiredness.
Conclusion
Prioritizing sleep and addressing daytime tiredness improves your overall well-being and enhances productivity and quality of life. So, listen to your body, prioritize your sleep, and seek professional help if necessary to ensure you get the restorative rest you need.