Why do I have excessive daytime sleepiness?

             Written by: Mantasha

24 September 2025

Excessive daytime sleepiness means feeling overly tired, drowsy, or prone to dozing off when you should be alert. It can stem from many causes, poor sleep habits, medical conditions, or sleep disorders.

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You aren’t “weak” or lazy. With the right steps, you can better understand the cause and improve your alertness.

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Make sure you get 7–9 hours of sleep each night (or the amount your body needs). Keep a consistent sleep schedule, go to bed and wake up at the same times each day.

Check Your Sleep Foundation

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Note what times you feel most sleepy or fatigued. Observe whether you fall asleep unintentionally (at work, reading, in meetings).

Track Your Daytime Patterns

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Share your sleep diary and symptom notes with your doctor. Your doctor may order a polysomnogram (overnight sleep study) to detect sleep apnea or other sleep disorders.

Seek a Medical Evaluation

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Improving daytime sleepiness often takes time, patience, and consistency. Make step-by-step changes and monitor your progress.

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