EDS, or excessive daytime sleepiness, is not fatigue, which can be likened to sluggishness, rather those with EDS find it a challenge to stay awake throughout the day and their everyday activities. With less time spent on sleeping more and more are beginning to show signs of daytime sleepiness and are putting themselves and others at risk.
When the need to sleep begins to take over your day, it becomes hard to keep your eyes open, focus, even simple tasks may seen impossible to complete. Regardless of what country you reside studies report the need or urge to sleep during the day is a global issue. 40% of Americans report having daytime sleepiness at least several days a month (1).EDS increases the risk for accidents. Recently, an incident where a commercial plane missed its scheduled stop is rumored to be caused by dozing pilots. More serious accidents include work related ones such as 1989's Exxon Valdez oil spill where between 500,000 and 750,000 animals were killed immediately after the accident and automobile crashes. With over 100,000 car accidents estimated per year, drowsy driving make excessive daytime sleepiness a community and not just an individual problem.
EDS can be a symptom of underlying conditions. Untreated sleep disorders have serious side effects and EDS is just one. If you find it hard to stay awake during the day on a regular basis contact your doctor to be screened.
Here are a few examples of Sleepiness Scales
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale
The Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale
Check out this WedMd Quiz:
Sleep and Crazy Hours on the Job
Sources:
1. Fundamentals of Sleep Technology
by Butkov & Lee-Chiong. 2007.
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