Feeling Sleepy All Day? It Could Be a Red Flag
We’ve all had sleepy days.
Maybe you didn’t sleep well the night before… or you just overdid it the day before. But when every day feels like a slog, that sleepiness may be trying to tell you something.
And now, experts are urging doctors to listen.
According to a new position statement from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a serious health concern that deserves more attention, especially for older adults.
If you’ve been nodding off during the day or just can’t shake that foggy feeling, this isn’t something to ignore. In fact, the AASM says it could be a red flag—a symptom of a deeper issue.
Excessive sleepiness could point to a sleep-wake disorder like sleep apnea, insomnia, or restless leg syndrome.
But that’s just the beginning. It may also signal:
- Medication side effects
- Thyroid problems
- Brain conditions like stroke or dementia
- Mood disorders like depression
And here’s what makes it tricky: sleepiness is not the same as being tired or physically worn out.
You might be sleeping seven to eight hours a night and still feel exhausted during the day. That’s what makes it a warning sign.
For seniors especially, sleepiness can sneak up on you for a number of reasons. Your sleep architecture changes with age, and medications can have stronger effects. Drugs like antihistamines, antidepressants, or blood pressure meds may cause drowsiness, and some combinations can make it worse.
And beyond health risks, sleepiness puts you at greater danger of falls, car accidents, and memory issues. It also impacts your ability to focus—something many seniors already struggle with as they age.
So what can you do?
First, take a closer look at your sleep habits. Are you regularly getting seven to eight hours of quality sleep? Are you waking up often or feeling unrefreshed?
Next, review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist. Ask if any of them may be contributing to your daytime sleepiness, and if safer alternatives are available.
And if you’re still feeling drowsy during the day, talk to your doctor about a potential sleep study or other assessments. Sleep apnea and other disorders are often underdiagnosed in older adults—but highly treatable once discovered.
While sleep studies can be time-consuming, especially for seniors, the AASM believes new research and tools are on the horizon—including better biomarkers and brainwave analysis that could make diagnosis easier.
As Dr. Ruth Benca from Wake Forest University explains, “The health risks of sleeping too much—or feeling excessively sleepy—are probably just as great as not being able to sleep.”
So if you’re shrugging off constant yawns and midday drowsiness, consider this a wake-up call.
To not letting excessive sleepiness go unchecked,
Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team
