Hypoxia and Medicine

Falling asleep during normal activity?

My dad has been falling asleep randomly throughout the day. For instance, sometimes we'll be at the drive-thru somewhere and we won't even be waiting for five minutes when he drifts off to sleep. And this happens often. It's easy to wake him up, of course, but it's worrying us. Also, last night, he was sitting at the computer checking his email and he just leaned his head over and drifted off. We are wondering if this is linked to any medical condition or if it's possibly just because he hasn't been getting enough sleep. I researched narcolepsy, but there is no insomnia; he falls asleep as much during the night as the day. Any suggestions on what it may be would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

Public Comments

1. Sounds like Sleep Apnea to me. If he snores at night or you hear him snore, then stop, then snort loud and continue on,m he is not getting any real sleep at all and is physically exhausted. If you think this sounds possible get him to a doc soon, it is causing him physical strain and could lead to death. Good luck sweetie, hope your dad gets better!
2. he should have a sleep study. this could be dangerous if he would be driving. he may have sleep apnea. this causes the body to wake continuously thru the night, then he never gets rest full sleep
3. You did not state your Dads age, some people have a great deal of trouble sleeping as they age and will drift off to sleep during the day as your Dad seems to be doing. If he is older or elderly and still driving; this could be very dangerous for himself and others. You really need to have him have a complete physical done and a full work up in blood tests in order to pinpoint what is causing this. He could also be having some problems with his blood pressure which could be contributing to this problem. Good luck, I hope that your Dad feels better and more rested and energetic soon, and that your family has a Happy New Year.