In the field of Sleep Medicine, we refer to sleepiness as hypersomnolence. Simply defined, hypersomnolence is the inability to stay awake during the day. There can be many causes for this condition. Disorders such as Sleep Apnea and Restless Legs Syndrome are two of the major causes. Medical illness and substance abuse, as well as many prescription drugs, can also cause excessive sleepiness during the day. However, the most common reason for hypersomnolence in our society is insufficient sleep.
Even though the average American needs seven to eight hours of sleep, recent surveys by the National Sleep Foundation show that the average American is getting far less than this amount. The consequences are profound. The increase in obesity and diabetes has been directly linked to sleep deprivation as well as deaths associated with cardiovascular disease. In addition, a recent study demonstrated a direct correlation between Motor Vehicle Accidents and lack of sleep. If you are having a hard time staying awake consider these possible causes. It is important to your health that you attend to them.
