Sleepiness
Almost half of adults find that excessive sleepiness affects their daytime function at least once a month. Usually this may be due to insufficient sleep at night. In some people, it may be due to poor quality of sleep because of abnormal movements or breathing at night. In others, a part of the brain responsible for our sleep rhythm may cause diseases such as narcolepsy or sleep phase disorder. Tr
What it is
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale screens for clinically meaningful sleepiness; sleep diary plus structured history identifies the cause. Most patients we see have unrecognised obstructive sleep apnoea or chronic insomnia, both highly treatable.
When this is relevant
- Falling asleep unintentionally during the day - meetings, reading, watching TV.
- Loud snoring with witnessed apnoea episodes (partner-reported).
- Morning headache, dry mouth, poor concentration.
- Cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle tone with emotion) - suggests narcolepsy.
- Restless legs, persistent insomnia, irregular sleep schedule.
How we investigate
Epworth Sleepiness Scale, sleep diary, examination including neck circumference and Mallampati score, home sleep study (partner provider), full polysomnography where indicated. Bloods to exclude anaemia, thyroid disease, vitamin D / B12 deficiency.
Options at The Vesey
- Sleep hygiene education - structured plan.
- CBT for insomnia (CBT-I) - highest-quality evidence; via partner clinical psychology.
- CPAP for confirmed sleep apnoea - referred to a sleep service for titration and follow-up.
- Mandibular advancement device for mild-to-moderate sleep apnoea or CPAP intolerance.
- Narcolepsy management - sleep medicine referral; modafinil, sodium oxybate, lifestyle support.
- Medication review - sedating drugs (antihistamines, gabapentinoids, opioids) often contribute.
How do I know if I have sleep apnoea? +
Common features are loud snoring, witnessed breath-holding episodes during sleep, waking unrefreshed, morning headache, dry mouth and significant daytime sleepiness. A home sleep study (a small wrist and finger device worn overnight) can confirm the diagnosis and measure severity. An Epworth Sleepiness Score above 10 is a useful pointer.
Is it safe to drive if I have excessive daytime sleepiness? +
If your sleepiness is causing you to fall asleep involuntarily during the day — including at the wheel — you have a legal obligation to inform the DVLA and stop driving until the cause is identified and treated. We discuss driving safety explicitly at consultation and document the discussion in your letter.
What is the difference between sleepiness and tiredness? +
Sleepiness (somnolence) is the tendency to fall asleep; tiredness (fatigue) is the feeling of exhaustion without necessarily falling asleep. The distinction matters because they have different causes and different treatments. Sleep apnoea typically causes sleepiness; chronic fatigue syndrome or anaemia more often causes fatigue. Both can coexist.
What is narcolepsy and how is it different from ordinary sleepiness? +
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder caused by loss of hypocretin neurons in the hypothalamus. Key features are irresistible sleep attacks, cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness triggered by emotion), sleep paralysis and vivid hypnagogic hallucinations. It is underdiagnosed; mean delay from symptom onset to diagnosis is over 10 years. We can initiate investigation and refer to a specialist sleep centre.
Pricing at a glance
Initial neurology / sleep consultation £260. Home sleep study via partner £290. Polysomnography (full overnight study) £950. Insurance accepted: BUPA, Vitality, AXA, WPA, Cigna, Aviva, Healix.
Book an appointment
When to book
Book if daytime sleepiness is affecting work, relationships or driving safety, you have witnessed apnoea, or your sleep has changed without an obvious cause.
Cost and pathway
Initial neurology / sleep consultation £260. Home sleep study via partner £290. Polysomnography (full overnight study) £950.
- Open 7 days including Sundays — 8am to 8pm, no weekend surcharge
- No GP referral required — book directly with our neurology team
- Sutton Coldfield location — serving Birmingham, Walsall, Tamworth, Lichfield and the West Midlands
- CQC-regulated — rated 4.88/5 on Doctify from 700+ verified reviews
Sutton Coldfield · Birmingham · Walsall · Tamworth · Lichfield · West Midlands · Open 7 days 8am–8pm
Open 7 days · 8am–8pm · 0121 387 3727