How To Distinguish Between Tiredness And Excessive Daytime Sleepiness; Why It Matters

There is a thin line between a general feeling of tiredness and excessive daytime sleepiness. Tiredness, or fatigue, can often be characterised by a number of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms, which include feeling weak, heavy, slow, or run down, or could cause difficulty concentrating or moodiness. However, these symptoms can also arise with excessive daytime sleepiness, accompanied by episodes of falling asleep without warning. But what does it matter, you’d ask? Regardless of how minute an illness or a symptom may feel, it is always advisable to know the exact cause of the condition. Differentiation between the tiredness and excessive daytime sleepiness may not feel that necessary; however, in certain cases, it can help identify a serious underlying issue. So what are the things to keep in mind? Read to know what an expert has to share.

Also Read: Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Could Mean Thyroid Disorder: Understanding The Cause And Warning Signs

How To Differentiate Between General Tiredness And Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Anantha Padmanabha, Senior Consultant - Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Nagarbhavi, Bengaluru, says, "To determine if you're just tired or experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness, consider the severity and duration."

"Excessive daytime sleepiness is characterised by persistent drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, and sudden sleep episodes. If you're consistently struggling to stay awake during the day, despite getting 7-9 hours of sleep, it may be excessive," he explains.

On the other hand, general tiredness is a temporary feeling of low energy that can be caused by a number of factors, including stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep. It's normal to feel tired for a week or so, but if the fatigue persists or worsens, you should consult a doctor.

Why It Matters

Distinguishing between tiredness and excessive daytime sleepiness is of utmost importance, as each of these symptoms can indicate various underlying issues. Particularly, excessive daytime drowsiness can be a sign of an undiagnosed condition or sleep disorder, and it can have serious consequences.

According to Dr Padmanabha, underlying health issues that contribute to excessive daytime sleepiness include sleep disorders (sleep apnoea, insomnia), neurological conditions (narcolepsy, Parkinson's), chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, anxiety, hypothyroidism, anaemia, and medication side effects.

Additionally, lifestyle factors such as poor sleep hygiene, irregular schedules, and substance abuse can also contribute to the condition.

Also Read: Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis And Treatment

Furthermore, chronic respiratory conditions, particularly Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and chronic bronchitis with type 2 respiratory failure, are also significant causes of excessive daytime sleepiness. This is due to the body's decreased ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide efficiently, leading to fatigue, hypercapnia (elevated CO2 levels), and hypoxaemia (low oxygen levels), which can disrupt normal sleep-wake cycles and cause persistent drowsiness.

Management Tips For Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

To manage excessive daytime sleepiness, Dr Padmanabha recommends establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, avoiding caffeine and electronics before bedtime, and engaging in regular physical activity.

He says, “Consider taking short naps, practising stress-reducing techniques, and getting morning sunlight exposure. Improving sleep quality and addressing underlying health issues is crucial.”

When To Seek Medical Help

It is crucial to seek medical advice if you experience persistent or severe daytime sleepiness, sudden sleep episodes, or difficulty staying awake during activities, warns Dr Padmanabha, adding that consulting a healthcare professional is important if you've ruled out lifestyle factors and suspect an underlying medical condition.

He further adds that if tiredness or sleepiness affects daily life, work, or relationships, seek medical attention.