Drowsiness refers to feeling abnormally sleepy during the day -- often with a strong tendency to actually fall asleep in inappropriate situations or at inappropriate times.
Alternative Names
Sleepiness - during the day; Hypersomnia; Somnolence
Considerations
Excessive daytime sleepiness (without a known cause) suggests the presence of a significant sleep disorder and is different from
Common Causes
- Self-imposed short sleep time
- Medications (tranquilizers, sleeping pills, antihistamines)
- Sleep disorders (such as sleep apnea syndrome and narcolepsy)
- Other medical conditions (such as hypothyroidism, hypercalcemia, and hypo/hypernatremia)



















