My son is feeling sleepy all the time. What is his problem?

Question

Hi doctor,

My son of 23 years is feeling sleepy all the time, walks while sleeping, sleeps while standing and falls asleep while traveling in a car. He has concentration problems and very irritable. He is overweight. Of late, even his speech is not very clear. What is the problem? Which specialty doctor should I consult for treatment?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Is he experiencing symptoms such as snoring, disrupted sleep, or morning headaches? It's possible that he could be dealing with sleep apnea, a condition marked by temporary breathing pauses during sleep, leading to fragmented sleep and lowered blood oxygen levels, as well as the various symptoms you mentioned. It's advisable to have his thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels tested to ensure they are within a normal range. Seeking consultation with a sleep specialist or a pulmonary medicine expert is crucial at this point. These professionals can conduct tests like polysomnography to diagnose sleep apnea and rule out other sleep disorders like narcolepsy, which involves excessive daytime sleepiness. Meanwhile, he can adopt healthy habits like regular exercise, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and avoiding caffeine before bedtime to improve sleep hygiene. Steering clear of calorie-dense and fatty foods while focusing on weight management is important. Depending on the diagnosis, the use of a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine might be recommended.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. Then, he should be evaluated for sleep apnea. Please consult a specialist doctor soon.

Answer 3

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

UPPP (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty) is a surgical reconstructive procedure that involves reducing, tightening, and/or repositioning the soft palate and related oropharyngeal structures with the goal of improving the airway while asleep. It often includes reduction, removal, or reconfiguration of the uvula. Basically, in OSA (obstructive sleep apnea), during inspiration, there is a collapse of these structures and obstruction of the airway. By reconstructing these, they prevent obstruction.

It usually involves the removal of tonsils, which is called a tonsillectomy. Tonsils are ball-like structures that we see in the wide-open mouth. However, adenoids are usually not removed simultaneously; however, depending upon your throat examination, the surgeon may choose to remove them.

I think you meant to say septoplasty, which is the reconstruction of the nasal septum in patients with a deviated nasal septum. It will not be done to you. So, mostly in your case, UPPP with tonsillectomy will be done, adenoidectomy plus or minus, depending upon the surgeon's decision. Septoplasty is probably not needed in your case.

Regarding costs, you just decide on the best hospital or whichever hospital you want to get it done. Dial their helpline and ask for the cost of UPPP plus tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, and they will let you know.

Hope this helps.

Thanks and take care.