Excessive daytime sleepiness – 10 triggers and causes
Even after sleeping well at night, some people may struggle to stay awake during the day. There are often many underlying causes for this, from biological, psychological, and psychological reasons to even external factors. Hypersomnia , as daytime sleepiness is also called, affects one’s cognitive function and alertness, thus heightening one’s risk of accidents or mistakes. While some causes can be worked with and managed, some triggers may be beyond one’s control. Common causes of excessive daytime sleepiness Here are a few common causes of excessive daytime sleepiness: 1. Sleep deprivation The most common cause is inadequate sleep during the night, leading people to want to take naps during the day. 2. Vitamin B12 deficiency Recent studies have found that those deficient in vitamin B12 may experience unnatural fatigue or tiredness, which can result in feeling sleepy all the time. B12 affects red blood cell production and cell oxygenation. 3. Mental health issues Depression, anxiety, or general stress can rob one of their energy and lead to a constant sense of sleepiness during the day. 4. Sleep disorders or other medical conditions Those who have sleep disorders like sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, sleepwalking, and insomnia may all experience excessive daytime sleepiness.
