How to tell if you are tired or sleepy during the day?

We all have those typical days when we feel tired, exhausted, and don't want to do anything. The only thing you really want is a nap and that's it! But if this is a condition you experience constantly, this is not just fatigue, but excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS).

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a medical condition in which the need for sleep is so strong that it interferes with daily activities, even if you've gotten enough sleep at night, according to a 2021 Mayo Clinic study.

"Excessive daytime sleepiness is a specific medical term, but beyond that it's a strong desire to sleep," says neurologist Anne Marie Morse. "People suffering from this condition struggle to stay awake, as they experience sleepiness or difficulty concentrating during the day."

Because this condition affects your mood, memory, focus, attention and productivity, it can also have an effect on your quality of life, along with increasing your risk for accidents and other health problems, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Who is more affected by excessive daytime sleepiness?

If you don't get enough sleep at night, you're more at risk for EDS, regardless of what drives you to sleeplessness, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

"Insufficient sleep is the most important cause of excessive sleepiness during the day," adds the doctor.  

How does this change from simply being tired?

"Fatigue or lethargy is common, but it's not the same as having EDS, although the two conditions can coexist," says Morse.

If you are tired, you may feel physically and mentally exhausted and not ready to do some tasks, but not too sleepy. But if you have EDS, you may need to take several naps during the day, even though you've had enough sleep at night.

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Source: Well+ Good