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Excessive Daytime Sleepiness is usually a consequence of too little
sleep or very disrupted sleep. It is frequently the first symptom that
patients recognize and often the one symptom that drives a patient to
seek medical help.
The sleepiness may take the form of sudden, short attacks of irresistible
sleep or lack of concentration. Additionally, we have begun to recognize
the impact of daytime sleepiness on society. These include job and vehicular
accidents, loss of productivity, irritability, and school difficulty.
We have recognized drunk drivers; now we should educate the public
about the sleepy driver/worker. Dr. Walsleben has represented the National
Sleep Foundation on the New York State Governor's Task Force on Drowsy
Driving. They have investigated and made recommendations regarding the
impact of drowsy drivers.
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