why am i so sleepy during the day

Feeling sleepy during the day, or excessive daytime sleepiness, is typically caused by an underlying issue, often related to poor quality or insufficient sleep. The most common reasons include sleep deprivation (not getting enough sleep), sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, or narcolepsy, and other medical or mental health conditions. Other factors like certain medications, mental health issues (depression, anxiety), pain, frequent nighttime urination, or lifestyle factors (shift work, poor sleep environment) can also contribute to daytime sleepiness. Additionally, medical conditions such as anemia, hypothyroidism, diabetes, or neurological disorders can cause excessive sleepiness during the day. Substance use like alcohol or drugs can affect sleep quality as well. Daytime sleepiness is often a symptom rather than a condition itself and usually signals that the brain and body are not getting adequate restorative sleep.