what would cause extreme sleepiness
Many medical conditions can cause secondary excessive daytime sleepiness, including head trauma, stroke, tumors, inflammatory conditions, encephalitis, and genetic and neurodegenerative diseases. Psychiatric conditions, especially depression, can also result in excessive daytime sleepiness.
Excessive daytime sleepiness is one of the most common sleep-related patient symptoms, and it affects an estimated 20 percent of the population. Persons with excessive daytime sleepiness are at risk of motor vehicle and work-related incidents, and have poorer health than comparable adults. The most common causes of excessive daytime sleepiness are sleep deprivation, obstructive sleep apnea, and sedating medications.
Insomnia is another common cause of excessive sleepiness, in which a person has difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep for the 7-9 hours the body requires. People with insomnia are aware of their sleep struggles, but often don't consult with a doctor to receive proper treatment.