Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: What You Need to Know
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We all feel tired sometimes, but if your urge to sleep during the day is overwhelming and irresistible, it may be excessive daytime sleepiness. This can be a symptom of narcolepsy, which is a neurological disorder.
Dr. Andrew Ordon explains that excessive daytime sleepiness is one of the most common complaints people make to a sleep specialist and that narcolepsy affects about 200,000 Americans and is often misdiagnosed. He notes that in some cases, it can take 10 years or more to get the appropriate diagnosis.
He shares that in order to effectively diagnose narcolepsy a physical exam and medical history is essential, along with a series of in-lab diagnostic tests.
"If you are routinely unable to stay awake during the day, talk to your doctor right away. You might need to see a sleep specialist," he adds.
