Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)

Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia) is different from feeling tired all the time. If you have hypersomnia, you may: regularly nap during the day fall asleep during the day still sleep for long hours at night

To find out why you're sleeping excessively, a GP might: ask you about possible causes of your sleepiness, such as mental or physical health problems, or any medicines you may be taking suggest you keep a diary of when you sleep refer you to a doctor who specialises in sleep disorders Treatment for excessive sleepiness will depend on what's causing it. It may include medicine to help keep you awake.

Sometimes other conditions may be related to excessive sleepiness (hypersomnia). These conditions can have additional symptoms. Symptoms and possible causes Additional symptoms Possible cause Feeling the need to sleep anywhere, sometimes without warning Narcolepsy Loud snorting, breathing and snoring at night Sleep apnoea An unusual feeling in your legs, particularly at night Restless legs syndrome Low mood, little interest in things Depression Mood swings that range from extreme highs (mania) to extreme lows Bipolar disorder Problems recovering after physical activity, problems with thinking, memory or concentration Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) Some medicines, drinking too much alcohol and taking drugs can also cause excessive daytime sleepiness. Idiopathic hypersomnia Idiopathic hypersomnia is when someone sleeps for long periods and wakes up feeling confused or irritable (known as sleep inertia) and not refreshed. There's no known cause for idiopathic hypersomnia.

Changing your sleep habits may not cure excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia), but it might help you feel better. Try to: go to bed at the same time every night avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine create a peaceful sleeping environment if possible, avoid medicines that can cause drowsiness avoid working late into the night It might also help to talk to your family and friends about your excessive daytime sleepiness so they're aware of it.