Have you ever felt extremely indisposed, tired and moody even after a good night’s sleep? It is important to seek aid from a physician, because you may suffer from a disease related to these symptoms.
Nowadays, we live in a society that does not stop, faces rushed routines, makes an effort to balance responsibilities, and tries to meet every deadline and schedule. Therefore, it is common to deal with fatigue. Nevertheless, whenever this feeling is constant and extreme, it may be a symptom of something wrong with your body. Extreme drowsiness and fatigue may be symptoms of severe diseases affecting your quality of life. These symptoms can be related t neurological disorders (Alzheimer, Parkinson and Depression), psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia) and/or sleep disorders.
People with these symptoms may experience irritability, learning difficulties, and decreased motivation and job performance. These individuals are also more likely to be involved in traffic and work accidents.
Yet, how do you know the degree of drowsiness? You can take a simple and quick test to assess your level of drowsiness, called the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, which is available at the end of this text.
Learn about some diseases that can cause excessive and frequent tiredness:
- Depression: A severe and common illness that negatively affects how you feel, think, and/or act. One of the typical symptoms of depression is daytime fatigue. Even though it primarily impacts mental health, it also affects the body. Medical care is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment, whether it be with antidepressants and/or psychotherapy.
- Diabetes: A disease caused by insufficient production or poor absorption of insulin, that is, a hormone that regulates blood glucose and provides energy for the body. When blood glucose does not reach all cells, there is a lack of energy. Diabetics urinate more frequently, lose weight easily, experience muscle loss, and, consequently, physical fatigue.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): A condition characterized by the obstruction of the upper airways during sleep. Usually, this obstruction is accompanied by a decrease in blood oxygen saturation, followed by a brief awakening during the night to breathe. This disrupts sleep and rest, commonly resulting in waking up very tired, experiencing muscle fatigue, and feeling daytime drowsiness.
- Thyroid Disorders : Thyroid disorders can cause various symptoms that require attention, as they may worsen if untreated. When thyroid function is altered, the gland may be either overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism). On the one hand, hyperthyroidism can cause symptoms such as agitation, nervousness, difficulty concentrating, and weight loss. On the other hand, hypothyroidism can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, memory loss, easy weight gain, dry and cold skin, irregular menstrual cycles, and hair loss.
- Heart Diseases: Common cardiovascular conditions such as arrhythmia and artery blockage can cause frequent fatigue and dizziness. The heart may not have enough strength to pump blood throughout the body, resulting in persistent tiredness.
Epworth Sleepiness Scale
How probable is it for you to nap or fall asleep during the following situations instead of only
feeling tired?
Your answers to these questions must be based on your recent lifestyle. Even if you have not
done some of the described activities recently, consider how they might have affected you.
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale, developed by Dr. Murray Johns, is a widely used tool to measure the degree of daytime sleepiness. The total score ranges from 0 to 24. Scores above 10 indicate the presence of sleepiness, and scores above 16 show severe sleepiness. A score of up to 9 points suggests a condition considered normal. If the score is above this, it is recommended to see a physician.
Answer the questionnaire found hereunder and test your drowsiness levels!
| Situation | No chance of dozing | Slight chance of dozing | Moderate chance of dozing | High chance of dozing |
| Sitting and reading | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Watching T.V. | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Sitting inactive in a public place (theater, meeting or lecture) | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Sitting quietly after a lunch without alcohol | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Lying down to rest in the afternoon when circumstances permit | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Sitting and talking to someone | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| In a car, while stopped for a few minutes in traffic | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Result
Sum the values you indicated for each response.
Score 0 to 9: considered normal.
Score 10 to 24: if your score is higher than 10, you present sleepiness. If your score is higher than 16, you have severe sleepiness.
IMPORTANT! Only properly qualified physicians and dental surgeons can diagnose diseases, recommend treatments and prescribe medications. The information available herein is for educational purposes only.
