Excessive Sleepiness

If you find yourself dealing with excessive sleepiness during the day, a medical condition may be preventing you from getting enough high-quality rest. Stephen Carstensen, DDS, Carrie Magnuson, DDS, and the team at Premier Sleep Associates in Bellevue, Washington, have the skills and expertise needed to determine the cause of your sleepiness and help you find relief. Call or click online to schedule a time to get started. 

What does excessive sleepiness look and feel like?

Everyone goes through periods of disrupted sleep. Stress and anxiety can make it hard to get enough rest, and even things that you’re excited and happy about can make it hard for your brain to unwind and your body to relax during sleep. 

But when you feel sleepy most days, something is wrong. Excessive sleepiness is common, and a recent Sleep in America poll shows that as many as 20% of Americans suffer from the condition. 

If you find yourself unable to concentrate or perform at high levels throughout the day, or feel the urge to nap or nod off, you may be experiencing excessive sleepiness. If the problem does not improve within a week or two, find time to come in for a diagnostic assessment.  

What might be causing my excessive sleepiness?

Many different things can get in the way of a good night’s rest. Determining the cause of excessive sleepiness is the first step in creating a customized treatment plan. 

Some common causes of excessive sleepiness include:

• Sleep apnea
• Restless leg syndrome
• Side effects from medication
• Depression
• Mood disorders
• Narcolepsy
• Poor sleep environment

The good news is no matter what’s causing your excessive sleepiness, there are steps you can take to get the rest you need to thrive. 

How can treatment help ease excessive sleepiness?

At Premier Sleep Associates, treatment plans are always designed to fit the unique needs of each individual. That process begins with a thorough diagnostic exam to determine the factors behind your disrupted sleep. 

If your sleep environment isn’t conducive to high-quality sleep, you’ll learn ways to improve your surroundings and help enhance sleep. Establishing a healthy nighttime routine is a great place to begin. Avoiding electronic devices and high stimulation is helpful, as is creating a comfortable and cozy sleep environment. 

If sleep apnea or bruxism (teeth grinding) is to blame for disrupted sleep, wearing an oral appliance might be a good solution. These devices fit within your mouth to improve airflow or prevent teeth from grinding during sleep. 

If you suffer from one or more mood disorders, treating those conditions can dramatically improve the quantity and quality of your sleep. 

If you’d like to learn more, schedule a one-on-one visit at Premier Sleep Associates. Online booking is an option, or you can always call during normal business hours.