A sleep disorder characterized by excessive sleepiness and drowsiness.
Symptoms of Somnolence
The following features are indicative of Somnolence:
excessive daytime sleepiness
sudden loss of muscle tone
sleep paralysis
hypnagogic hallucinations
sleep apnea
Get TabletWise Pro
Thousands of Classes to Help You Become a Better You.
Common Causes of Somnolence
The following are the most common causes of Somnolence:
circadian rhythm disorders
hypothyroidism
diabetes
fibromyalgia
sleeping sickness
depression
anxiety
stress
Other Causes of Somnolence
The following are the less common causes of Somnolence:
medications like analgesics
antidepressants
antihistamines
antipsychotics
Risk Factors for Somnolence
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Somnolence:
people having low levels of the chemical hypocretin
Prevention of Somnolence
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Somnolence. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
eating tryptophan
eat carbohydrate rich foods
physical exercise in the afternoon
a cold shower just before going to bed
Occurrence of Somnolence
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Somnolence cases seen each year worldwide:
Very common > 10 Million cases
Common Age Group
Somnolence can occur at any age.
Common Gender
Somnolence can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Somnolence
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Somnolence:
Blood test: To check CBC and blood differential, blood sugar level, electrolytes, and thyroid hormone levels
Head CT scan (Computed tomography): To take the imaginary view of the head
EEG (Electroencephalogram): To record electrical activity of the brain
Sleep studies: To record the body activity during sleep
Urine test: To perform urinalysis for diagnosis of disease
Epworth sleepiness scale: To measure the daytime sleepiness
Complications of Somnolence if untreated
Yes, Somnolence causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Somnolence is left untreated:
low sex drive
impotence
lazy or lethargic personality
increased risk of accident while cooking and driving
obesity
Procedures for Treatment of Somnolence
The following procedures are used to treat Somnolence:
Hypocretin replacement: To maintain the level of hypocretin in the patients
Hypocretin gene therapy: To stimulate the production of hypocretin
Immunotherapy: To boost the immune system
Self-care for Somnolence
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Somnolence:
Scheduled sleep: Sleep and wake up at the same timing daily
Take naps: Schedule short naps of 20 minutes at regular intervals during the day
Avoid nicotine and alcohol: At night, these can worsen the signs and symptoms
Exercise: Get moderate, regular exercise at least four to five hours before bedtime