Difference Between Lethargy and Sleepiness

People often encounter problems with drowsiness and sleepiness. In fact, drowsiness means that the patient still has a shallow consciousness and has entered a deep sleep stage. He may be affected by some external sounds, but will not wake up frequently. Sleepiness means that the patient falls asleep as soon as he lies down, is not disturbed by external sounds, and does not have much consciousness.

Lethargy

It refers to a more serious disorder of consciousness than confusion, with loss of environmental awareness and self-awareness, and excessive sleep as the main clinical manifestation. The patient is in a deep sleep and can only be awakened by strong stimulation. After waking up, he answers irrelevant questions and returns to a deep sleep after the stimulation stops. This is a manifestation of impaired consciousness. In addition, sleeping sickness refers to a specific disease caused by trypanosomes invading the human body in Africa.

Excessive daytime sleepiness – This symptom is always present and is usually the most noticeable.

Cataplexy - Cataplexy is the sudden or temporary loss of muscle mass, which causes paralysis of the head or body without loss of consciousness. It can last for a few seconds or a few minutes. Mild symptoms include slurred speech or stuttering, drooping eyelids or weak fingers that cannot hold objects. Severe cataplexy can cause the knees to buckle and cause collapse. Laughter, excitement or anger are typical causes of cataplexy. The sudden relaxation of muscle mass may be the result of the brain suddenly entering REM sleep. Less than half of patients with narcolepsy have cataplexy.

Sleep paralysis - Sleep paralysis means that a person is temporarily unable to move when falling asleep or waking up. It only lasts for a few minutes. Similar to cataplexy, sleep paralysis may also be related to an inadequate transition between REM sleep and wakefulness. Sleep paralysis is associated with hallucinations.

Hypnagogic hallucinations – These are mental, dream-like images that are often terrifying and often occur while falling asleep or just before sleep paralysis occurs.

Second, the symptoms and characteristics:

Excessive daytime sleepiness or sleep attacks that are not explained by discomfort at the timing of sleep; or a prolonged transition time to a fully awake state while awake.

3. Time of onset:

Sleep disturbance occurs daily for more than three months or recurs repeatedly, causing significant distress or interfering with social functioning.