How do I feel less tired during the day?

This question was asked in Houston, Texas on 03/04/2013.
What can I do to stop feeling very sleepy and tired during the day? I have had this problem for 2 years till now.

Doctors Answers (3)

Jana P. Kaimal, MD, FCCP
Answered on: 4/5/2013 7

Without knowing more, the best advice we can give is for you to consider scheduling a consultation with a qualified sleep specialist. Further testing may be necessary to determine what is going on. It is possible that you are suffering from a condition like sleep apnea or another sleep disorder. We won't be able to tell what is really going on without and examination.

Daron Scherr, MD, DABSM
Answered on: 4/5/2013 1

Multiple issues can cause tiredness: hypothyroidism, medications, overwork, stress, depression, inadequate sleep time, poor sleep hygiene, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, iron deficiency, etc...

I recommend discussing this with your health provider or calling an AASM accredited Sleep Disorders Center for help.

J. Douglas Hudson, MD, DABSM
Answered on: 3/8/2013 6

There are many possible reasons for feeling tired during the day. However, from a sleep standpoint, we see sleep deprivation (getting less sleep than needed), fragmented sleep (frequent shifting from one stage of sleep to another) and a reduction of restorative stages of sleep. I am omitting causes such as medication effect either on the state of sleepiness or the effect on sleep architecture as noted above. A sleep study is usually very helpful. If the sleep pattern (architecture) is fragmented then the search for a cause begins. Is it caused by obvious factors such as sleep disordered breathing or leg movements. If not, then continue the search by asking about pain, anxiety, medication effect and dysautonomia (autonomic symptoms such as fainting, heart racing, sweating, etc). Of course, the home environment should be reviewed. If you are missing the restorative stages of sleep, especially "deep" sleep or Stage N3 sleep, there are medications which are known to enhance this stage. Gabapentin is one. If no cause is found then consider a medication to enhance or promote daytime alertness for your quality of life and for your safety and the safety of others.