A growing number of Americans are struggling with excessive daytime sleepiness, which may be a sign of a serious sleep deficit. According to a new position paper by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, this condition can lead to physical danger and long-term health risks.
Experts warn that yawning, needing multiple cups of coffee, or dozing off during work meetings are all potential red flags for sleep deprivation. “Sleepiness is a serious health concern with wide-reaching consequences,” said Dr. Eric Olson, a pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist at the Mayo Clinic.
The effects of excessive daytime sleepiness can be severe, including an increased risk of accidents while driving, workplace errors, diabetes, depression, heart disease, kidney disease, obesity, and stroke. In fact, about 100,000 car accidents per year are linked to drowsy driving.
So, how can you determine if your sleepiness is crossing into the danger zone? A simple test like the Epworth Sleepiness Scale can help measure how likely you’ll fall asleep during various situations. Scores above 10 are considered clinically significant and worth intervention.
Other causes of sleepiness include sleep disorders, chronic pain conditions, medications, and lifestyle behaviors such as excessive caffeine use, poor sleep hygiene, or practicing marijuana before bed. It’s essential to address these underlying factors to improve sleep quality.
Sleep specialists stress the importance of recognizing the signs of sleep deprivation and seeking help if you’re experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness regularly. As Dr. Indira Gurubhagavatula, a professor of sleep medicine, notes, “If someone is experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness, they should discuss this with their physician.”
Source: https://www.ksl.com/article/51294484/yawning-may-be-more-dangerous-than-you-think-experts-say