Somnolence

A pathological state of excessive sleepiness characterized by an abnormal tendency to fall asleep, reduced alertness, and difficulty maintaining wakefulness during normal periods of activity, distinct from normal pre-sleep drowsiness or fatigue.

Causes

• Sleep disorders

  • Sleep disruption or insufficient sleep

  • Obstructive sleep apnea

  • Narcolepsy

  • Restless legs syndrome

• Medication-related causes

  • Sedatives

  • Antihistamines

  • Antidepressants

  • Opioids

• Psychiatric and psychological causes

  • Depression

  • Anxiety disorders

  • Chronic stress

• Endocrine and metabolic causes

  • Hypothyroidism

  • Anemia

  • Diabetes mellitus

• Neurological causes

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • Previous head trauma

• Other causes

  • Chronic pain

  • Chronic inflammatory or systemic illness