More to Know: Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) in Pediatric Patients
This content was developed using the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, third edition, text revision (ICSD-3-TR) and other materials.
More to Know: Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) in Pediatric Patients
This content was developed using the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, third edition, text revision (ICSD-3-TR) and other materials.
Overview
In pediatric patients, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) may range from waxing and waning drowsiness to sleep attacks.1,2
EDS is defined as the inability to stay awake and alert during the day, resulting in periods of irrepressible need for sleep or unintended lapses into drowsiness or sleep.1
All pediatric patients with narcolepsy have EDS, which may range from waxing and waning drowsiness to irresistible, unintended lapses into sleep, also known as sleep attacks.1,2
Although EDS is usually the first symptom of narcolepsy in both adult and pediatric patients, it may present differently in pediatric patients. For example, EDS may present as behavioral change, such as hyperactivity, impulsiveness, irritability, or inattentiveness.3
EDS is more likely to occur in sedentary, boring, and monotonous situations that do not require active participation (eg, sitting in a classroom, reading a book, or being driven in a car).1,3
EDS and impaired sustained attention can impact patients’ ability to function at school and in social situations.1,3
Learn more about how EDS manifests in pediatric patients with narcolepsy.
References
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine. International Classification of Sleep Disorders. 3rd ed, text revision. American Academy of Sleep Medicine; 2023.
- Maski K, Kotagal S. Clinical features and diagnosis of narcolepsy in children. Clinical Decision Support | UpToDate | Wolters Kluwer. Updated July 29, 2024. Accessed January 6, 2025. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-features-and-diagnosis-of-narcolepsy-in-children
- Plazzi G, Clawges HM, Owens JA. Clinical characteristics and burden of illness in pediatric patients with narcolepsy. Pediatr Neurol. 2018;85:21-32.
