Symptom 11. Frequent yawning or feeling drowsy throughout the day
When a person experiences hypersomnia, they may feel excessively tired and sleepy throughout the day, regardless of how much they slept the night before. This can lead to frequent yawning, which is a reflex that helps to increase oxygen intake and stimulate the brain. Yawning can be a sign that the body is not receiving enough oxygen, which can occur when a person is excessively sleepy or fatigued.
In addition to frequent yawning, people with hypersomnia may also feel drowsy throughout the day, even after getting enough sleep at night. This can make it difficult to stay awake and alert during daily activities, and can lead to impaired cognitive function and poor performance at work or school.
Feeling drowsy throughout the day can also lead to a lack of motivation and interest in engaging in activities that a person normally enjoys. This can impact social interactions, exercise, and even daily tasks such as cooking or cleaning.
If left untreated, hypersomnia can have a significant impact on a person’s mental and physical health.
There are several strategies that can help to alleviate the symptoms of hypersomnia and improve daytime alertness. Treatment options may include medications to help regulate sleep patterns, lifestyle changes such as exercise and a healthy diet, and cognitive-behavioral therapy to address any underlying mental health concerns. (9)
