OverviewDrowsiness is a state of decreased awareness or alertness associated with a desire or tendency to fall asleep.
What is going on in the body?Almost everyone has felt drowsy before, usually due to normal tiredness from a long day or lack of sleep. There are other causes of this condition as well. Most of the causes are not serious, but some are life threatening.
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?When someone complains of abnormal drowsiness, the healthcare professional will ask questions, such as:
• how long it has been present
• whether it occurs all day every day or only on some days
• whether it is getting worse, better, or staying the same
• the number of hours of sleep the person gets every night and whether there is any trouble with sleeping
• the amount of stress in the person's life
• the amount of activity or exercise a person engages in
• the person's diet
• what medications, drugs, or herbs a person takes, if any
• what other medical problems a person has, if any
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
There are many possible causes of this condition, including: lack of sleep or sleep disorders, such as insomnia and sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a disorder of breathing during sleep that prevents a person from getting enough rest.infections, such as chronic bronchitis or infectious mononucleosis a low red blood cell count, called anemia stress working, studying, or exercising too muchlack of exercise or poor physical conditioninghormone imbalances, such as hypothyroidism, a condition caused by a low level of thyroid hormonedepression or other psychological disordersautoimmune disorders, that is conditions in which a person's immune system attacks his or her own body. Examples include systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.low oxygen levels in the blood, which can occur with heart disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease toxin or chemical exposure, such as carbon monoxide poisoning medications, such as antihistamines, sedatives, and certain medications used to treat depression or high blood pressure alcohol systemic disorders, such as uncontrolled diabetes a stroke, ("brain attack")any severe, life-threatening illness, such as meningitis, severe pneumonia, or end-stage cancer
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Avoiding stress
and overexertion, getting enough sleep, and eating a healthy diet can prevent many cases of drowsiness. Avoidance of alcohol
and medications that cause drowsiness can avoid cases due to these causes. Maintaining a normal weight and avoiding obesity
can sometimes prevent sleep apnea. Many causes cannot be prevented.
How is the condition diagnosed?
After a physical examination, the healthcare professional may order further tests. A chest x-ray may be done if lung disease is thought to be the cause. A sleep study, called polysomnography, may be done if sleep apnea is suspected. A complete blood count (CBC) may be ordered if anemia or an infection is suspected. Other tests may also be needed in some cases.
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HEALTH CENTERS
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