Excessive Sleepiness: Severity

Excessive sleepiness becomes a problem when the person cannot stay awake and alert long enough to complete daily tasks. Some types of excessive sleepiness are worse than others.

Mild: Sleepiness is mild if it occurs during rest when little attention is required for the activity. Examples including reading or watching television.

Moderate: Sleepiness is moderate if it occurs during activities that require more attention. They may be physical or mental. One example is during a group meeting.

Severe: Sleepiness is severe if it occurs during physical activities that require full attention. Examples include talking, eating, or driving.

This information has been approved by Teofilo Lee-Chiong, Jr, MD (September 2009).