Tired of feeling tired? It may not be because you work too much or too hard, are too busy or you’re not getting enough rest. Some of us are down right exhausted everyday. For many people though exhaustion may be due to a condition related to sleep apnea that can negatively impact job performance, personal relationships and quality of life. Your exhaustion may be due to Excessive Daytime Sleepiness.
“The sleepiness of course manifests itself as fighting sleep or maybe spontaneously falling asleep. But, these individuals are fatigued. They’re tired but it’s a different kind of tired,” explained sleep expert with SleepMed Inc. Dr. Richard Bogan.
“When they are sleepy they have fatigue and tiredness, but they also have brain dysfunction as well. They may have problems with focus and concentration, memory and thinking. And, there are also mood changes as well as low motivation which has a significant impact in terms of quality of life.”
It’s a different kind of tired Bogan says.
“Many patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea are being treated and they assume, ‘Well, I’m being treated and I should be fine and if I feel this way there’s no option for me,” said Bogan.
It’s estimated that nearly 3 out of 4 people with untreated sleep apnea experience Excessive Daytime Sleepiness. So even if you are being treated talk with your doctor if you’re still flat out exhausted.
You can download a discussion guide for your next doctor’s visit as well – see how your case of being tired stacks up – and learn more about the condition.