Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
What is Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS)?
Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is when a child or teenager feels unusually sleepy or falls asleep during the day in situations where they should be alert, such as in school, while watching TV, or even during short car rides. EDS is not just being tired… it’s a persistent issue that can affect their mood, behaviour, academic performance, and overall health.
How Common is EDS?
EDS affects 10-20% of prepubertal children and 16-47% of adolescents. Sleep-related issues leading to EDS occur in 25-40% of children and adolescents (J Owens 2020).
Signs of EDS
Increased sleepiness: Your child may fall asleep in inappropriate places like during class or while playing.
Difficulty waking up: Trouble getting up in the morning and wanting to sleep in longer on weekends.
Behavioural changes: Restlessness, irritability, emotional outbursts, or hyperactivity may occur in younger children. Older children and teens may appear lethargic, unmotivated, or uninterested.
Poor academic performance: Falling asleep during schoolwork or struggling to stay awake can impact learning.
What Causes EDS?
EDS can be caused by various conditions, including:
Insufficient sleep: Many children and teens don’t get enough sleep due to late bedtimes, school schedules, or screen time before bed.
Sleep disorders: Conditions such as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), restless legs syndrome (RLS), or circadian rhythm disorders can disrupt nighttime sleep.
Medical conditions: Chronic fatigue syndrome, long covid, asthma, epilepsy, and chronic pain can disturb sleep.
Medications: Some drugs can make children feel sleepy during the day.
Hypersomnia disorders: Narcolepsy and Idiopathic Hypersomnia
How Can You Help Your Child?
Establish Good Sleep Habits:
Ensure your child gets enough sleep based on their age. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends:
9-12 hours for children aged 6-12 years.
8-10 hours for teenagers.
Create a consistent bedtime routine, even on weekends.
Limit screen time at least an hour before bed and keep the bedroom dark and quiet.
2. Address Underlying Conditions:
If your child snores, has trouble breathing at night, or experiences frequent awakenings, talk to your doctor. These may be signs of obstructive sleep apnoea.
Manage any medical conditions that might interfere with sleep, such as asthma or allergies.
3.Safety First:
For children prone to falling asleep unexpectedly, take precautions during activities like car rides or when crossing streets to ensure they stay safe.
When to See a Doctor If your child:
Frequently falls asleep during the day.
Has difficulty waking up or staying awake in school.
Experiences behaviour or academic issues possibly related to sleepiness.
Snores or gasps during sleep, which might indicate a sleep disorder like sleep apnoea.
EDS is often underreported and may not always be linked to sleep problems by parents or teachers, so discussing concerns with a healthcare provider is important.
Conclusion Excessive daytime sleepiness can have a significant impact on a child’s life. By ensuring they get enough rest, maintaining a healthy sleep routine, and addressing any underlying conditions, you can help improve their well-being. For persistent issues, consult a healthcare professional to identify any sleep disorders that may need treatment.
