{"id":22797,"date":"2025-02-06T12:55:33","date_gmt":"2025-02-06T12:55:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/refhelp\/?page_id=22797"},"modified":"2025-11-27T18:06:27","modified_gmt":"2025-11-27T18:06:27","slug":"excessive-daytime-sleepiness-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/refhelp\/guidelines\/respiratory\/sleep-medicine\/excessive-daytime-sleepiness-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Excessive Daytime Sleepiness"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Information<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Behaviourally induced sleep restriction, or \u2018voluntary\u2019 sleep restriction, is the commonest cause of sleepiness in our community!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This generally comes down to poor sleep habits, poor sleep hygiene, poor lifestyle and not making sleep a priority. There may be bedroom safety issues and poor sleeping environments, including bed poverty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average sleep requirements are 7-8 hours a night for most adults. Some may get by with less (generally not under 4 hours a night) and some may need up to 10 hours a night to function adequately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other causes of excessive daytime sleepiness are listed in the figure below.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Excessive
MM Ohayon<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

NOTE: Anxiety disorders are very frequently missed as a cause of EDS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diagnostic Tools<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally, a simple history of excessive daytime sleepiness is sufficient. Clearly, physical examination and basic tests are crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is helpful. For more information on rarer causes of excessive day time sleepiness see link<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n