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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Constant Drowsiness And Excessive Sleep?

I have a friend, who is a bit overweight. She falls asleep everytime we attend functions where our attention is required, and her mouth drops open and she begins to snore and jump. I will nudge her, and she'll wake up, only to doze right back off. Some people who sit near us, will ask me, if she's ok? If she's holding anything in her lap or her hands, it all hits the floor. Once the function is over, she wakes up, and doesn't go back to sleep. What could be her problem. Is this what sleep apnea does to a person?
Tue, 9 Dec 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
As you have told if she is overweight, it can be most likely due to sleep apnea. If she reports having inadequate sleep at night and she is snoring while asleep, sleep apnea is most likely cause. She should reduce her weight to get rid of this in a long run. Currently, she should try to have a sound sleep at night. For that, she should sleep on her side and not supine which will help keep her throat open during sleep. She should not have any nasal blockage while asleep. Don't take any liquid containing caffeine before bed time if it prevents you from falling asleep at night.
If it is really severe and bothering surgery is also available.
You should also rule out any kind of depression or mood disorder.
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What Causes Constant Drowsiness And Excessive Sleep?

As you have told if she is overweight, it can be most likely due to sleep apnea. If she reports having inadequate sleep at night and she is snoring while asleep, sleep apnea is most likely cause. She should reduce her weight to get rid of this in a long run. Currently, she should try to have a sound sleep at night. For that, she should sleep on her side and not supine which will help keep her throat open during sleep. She should not have any nasal blockage while asleep. Don t take any liquid containing caffeine before bed time if it prevents you from falling asleep at night. If it is really severe and bothering surgery is also available. You should also rule out any kind of depression or mood disorder.