Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Cure through Ayurveda – A Case Report

Abstract

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) is a clinical condition characterized by the inability to stay awake and alert during the major waking periods of the day. This affects a person’s academic, professional and social domains impairing their quality of life. Moreover, EDS can be an early indicator of decline in cognitive functioning and onset of dementia as studies have found its association in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. The same scenario is seen among Parkinson’s disease population. Current systems of medicine address only the subjective condition in EDS and are associated with side effects over quality of life. This set off the need to address this issue. In Ayurveda, these symptoms can be brought under Nidradhikya. This is a case of EDS presented with complaints of falling asleep without being aware of it while at work. He was assessed with Modified Epworth Sleepiness Scale (MESS). Further, his blood and urine routine were evaluated to exclude any underlying diseases. The condition was managed by Pachana-Deepana, Snehapana, Vamana followed by Samana Aushadha for one month after which follow up was done where MESS score reduced to 4 which was 19 before the treatment. This report demonstrates a case of EDS successfully managed with Ayurvedic intervention.