Clinical Significance of Sleepiness: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine Position Statement

Alertness is a necessity for well-being and performance, and sleepiness is associated with cognitive and functional impairments that can have a negative impact on performance, health, mood, safety, and quality of life. In severe cases, sleepiness can lead to debilitation, injury, or death. Sleepiness is a marker of insufficient sleep and is the major patient-reported symptom associated with disorders of sleep and wakefulness such as narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea. Excessive sleepiness - the inability to stay awake and alert during the major waking episodes of the day - is reported by one-third of U.S. adults. It is the position of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine that sleepiness is a critical patient-reported outcome that is associated with increased risk for adverse health effects and diminished quality of life. The evaluation and management of sleepiness is essential for patient safety and patient-centered care. The health care system must support the evaluation and management of sleepiness so that patients can experience restorative sleep and daytime alertness. More research and innovation are needed to improve the treatment of sleep-wake disorders, including studies in diverse populations that support the development of tailored therapies for daytime sleepiness.