Why someone sleeps all the time

A lack of sleep is not the only potential cause of excessive sleepiness. Medications , especially sedatives, can make a person drowsy and disoriented during the day. Antidepressants, pain medications, and over-the-counter antihistamines are just a few of the other types of medications that can cause sleepiness.

In addition, withdrawal from some drugs may provoke drowsiness. Mental health disorders can frequently cause drowsiness. Bipolar disorder , post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD , and general anxiety disorder are associated with sleeping problems that may give rise to bouts of excessive sleepiness. Several brain conditions can cause excessive daytime sleepiness.

Narcolepsy is a prominent example as it is a neurological condition in which the brain cannot properly regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Narcolepsy affects around one in every 2, people and makes them prone to falling asleep rapidly, including at inopportune times. Traumatic brain injury TBI and concussions commonly cause sleeping problems , and brain tumors or lesions may provoke excessive sleepiness.

Infections, including meningitis and those that cause encephalitis swelling of the brain , can also lead to EDS. Other health problems beyond brain conditions can make a person sleepy during the day. Metabolic problems, including diabetes and hypothyroidism, can be risk factors for drowsiness. Medical conditions like anemia, abnormal blood sodium levels, and electrolyte imbalances can also provoke excessive sleepiness.

Relief is possible for most people with excessive sleepiness. The optimal treatment is tailored to each person based on the specific cause or contributing factors. Because EDS can be caused by both poor sleep habits and medical and brain conditions, there are a diverse range of approaches to resolving it.

A doctor is in the best position to identify and tailor optimal treatment pathways for individuals. If drowsiness is derived from sleep deprivation, various steps can be taken to improve sleep quality and quantity.

If EDS is tied to another medical problem, treatment typically focuses on resolving that underlying issue. Sleep hygiene improvements may be encouraged along with other treatments to help people incorporate healthy sleep tips into their daily routines. Eric Suni has over a decade of experience as a science writer and was previously an information specialist for the National Cancer Institute.

His research and clinical practice focuses on the entire myriad of sleep disorders. Terminology about sleep can be confusing. Our sleep dictionary clearly explains common sleep terms so that you can better understand…. This guide to diabetes and sleep discusses common sleep problems, consequences of sleep deprivation, and the link between type 2…. Some sleeping problems tend to go unnoticed. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly.

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It also includes time spent in bed not sleeping, on the sofa napping or feeling tired, day or night. Interrupted sleep patterns and underlying health conditions are two primary reasons people may feel this overwhelming sense of fatigue.

Nagamalar Raju, M. To promote healthy sleep patterns , Dr. Raju recommends exercising routinely and avoiding alcohol , cigarettes , and heavy meals in the evening. She also encourages patients to pay attention to their individual needs by assessing how they feel on different amounts of sleep. If you struggle with low energy and the desire to stay in bed, Dr. Raju says there are several underlying health conditions that may be causing your excessive sleep habits, including:.

Sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs when breathing is frequently interrupted, which negatively impacts your state of rest and repair. Anemia affects roughly 3. If side effects such as sleepiness are too difficult to deal with, the doctor may recommend a change in medication or dosage.

Excessive sleepiness is not a disorder in itself but a symptom of insufficient sleep or an underlying health condition. A person may experience additional symptoms if their excessive sleepiness is the result of an underlying health condition. Correctly diagnosing the underlying cause of excessive sleepiness is important for establishing the best treatment. The doctor may also ask questions relating to mental health. Most healthcare professionals will not want to prescribe highly addictive drugs to assist with sleep, and people who receive a prescription for sleep medications should not take them every day.

These include:. Excessive sleepiness is normal after a night of poor or insufficient sleep. However, persistent sleepiness could be a symptom of a sleep disorder or some other underlying health condition. Anyone who regularly experiences excessive sleepiness should visit their doctor for a diagnosis.

Treating the underlying cause can improve sleep quality, and it may reduce the risk of other complications. Hypersomnolence is a condition characterized by excessive sleepiness, regardless of how much sleep is had. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and…. Excessive, or frequent, yawning can arise from fatigue, anxiety, or an underlying health condition.

In this article, we look at the causes and…. Firm mattresses may suit people who want a supportive sleep surface.

Learn about some of the best firm mattress options here. What causes excessive sleepiness? Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Latex pillows contain ultra-comfortable, supportive latex filling that help support your body all night long. Shop our favorite latex pillow picks. Full and queen beds don't just vary in size — learn everything you need to know and check out our top picks.

Snag your new favorite pillow for travel by checking out our roundup of the very best. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. What causes a person to sleep a lot? Can sleeping too much cause health conditions? The bottom line. Read this next. Warning Signs of a Sleep Disorder.