Symptom 7: Needing Multiple Alarms to Wake Up
The role of an alarm is straightforward: it serves as a reminder or a wake-up call to start the day. But for those experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), this simple task morphs into a challenging ordeal. Instead of springing to life with the first beep, they find themselves setting multiple alarms, often spaced minutes apart. This isn’t just a case of loving that warm bed a bit too much. It’s the body’s desperate plea for a few more moments of slumber, even if it’s fleeting.
It’s ironic, but those with EDS often get ample sleep, clocking in the recommended 7-9 hours. Yet, their bodies feel as if they’ve barely rested a wink. The disconnect between hours spent asleep and the actual quality of rest is glaring. This disparity explains the multiple alarms: it’s a testament to the restless nights and the elusive pursuit of restful sleep. Each alarm becomes a beacon, trying to pull them out from the depths of their fatigue.
For many, the groggy feeling upon waking up is temporary, something that a splash of cold water or a brisk walk can remedy. But when every morning feels like you’re wading through a dense fog, and the haze doesn’t lift, it signals a deeper issue. This isn’t standard morning inertia. It’s an enduring sense of fatigue that clings on, casting a shadow over the potential vibrancy of the day.
This relentless morning fatigue doesn’t limit itself to the AM hours. It’s the precursor to a day dotted with fatigue, diminished focus, and a decreased zeal for tasks. Activities that once were routine, like making breakfast or driving to work, now feel strenuous. And this is where the concern intensifies. When simple activities seem daunting, it’s clear that the body and mind are not operating at their optimum.(7)
