How do I stop falling asleep during the day?

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness is a disorder in itself. However, you should have a sleep study, possibly followed by a day nap study. The study will rule out other disorders that could be causing the excessive daytime sleepiness. There are medications to treat daytime sleepiness, however, they are not beneficial if there is an underlying problem.

Stopping daytime sleepiness begins with finding the cause. The cause ranges from sleep deprivation to narcolepsy. Sleep deprivation may mean that your sleep is being interrupted by sleep disordered breathing, leg movements or reduced restorative sleep. These interruptions of sleep may occur without you being awakened. Narcolepsy is a disorder associated with daytime sleepiness caused by the absence of a neurotransmitter called hypocretin which promotes wakefulness. Daytime sleepiness may not only adversely affect your quality of life, but could endanger your safety as well as the safety of others. Treatment is essential. Consult your personal physician and/or a sleep specialist.