‘Go directly to a doctor’: Sleep expert explains why struggling to stay awake needs attention

Sleep expert Dr Chris Winter warns that struggling to stay awake during routine evening activities, such as watching a movie, should be taken seriously. He advises that if you find yourself nodding off during typical viewing time, you should immediately consult a primary care doctor. Dr Winter emphasizes that persistent daytime sleepiness is a warning sign that requires medical attention, rather than self-diagnosis. If your primary care doctor dismisses your concerns, he advises seeing a sleep specialist.

Dr Yogesh Godge, a consultant neurologist at Jupiter Hospital, explains that daytime sleepiness may indicate an underlying issue. Feeling tired after a rough day or poor night's sleep is normal, but frequent dozing off during activities that require alertness, like watching TV or attending meetings, is a cause for concern. Even if you're getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night, persistent daytime drowsiness may suggest that you're not getting restorative sleep.

Some common causes of excessive daytime sleepiness include obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, neurological disorders, thyroid problems, depression, uncontrolled diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, and side effects from certain medications. Lifestyle factors like an irregular sleep schedule, alcohol consumption, and excessive screen time before bed can also negatively impact sleep quality.

If you experience persistent daytime sleepiness for more than a few weeks despite following good sleep habits, it's essential to seek medical advice. Symptoms to watch out for include loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, frequent night-time awakenings, morning headaches, difficulty staying asleep, waking up feeling unrefreshed, sudden sleep attacks, and drowsiness while driving.