Somnolence

Somnolence is a state of near-sleep, a condition of drowsiness that can range from mild to severe, characterized by a strong inclination to sleep or an extended period of sluggishness. It involves a reduced level of alertness, impaired cognitive function, and a diminished response to stimuli. Unlike simple tiredness, somnolence may persist even after adequate rest. This persistent drowsiness is often a symptom of an underlying medical condition, medication side effect, or sleep disorder, impacting daily activities and overall well-being. The degree of somnolence can vary, sometimes impairing judgment and increasing the risk of accidents.

Somnolence meaning with examples

• After a long flight and a full day of work, the man battled waves of somnolence, struggling to stay awake during the evening meeting. He found his concentration drifting and his eyelids growing heavy. The strong somnolence severely reduced his ability to focus and respond effectively, making it difficult to follow the complex discussions.
• The medication prescribed for his anxiety caused him to experience noticeable somnolence, especially in the afternoon. This side effect made it difficult for him to concentrate on his studies, and he often needed to nap. He became increasingly frustrated by the somnolence as it interfered with his work and social life.
• Due to a deficiency, the patient reported chronic somnolence, experiencing a persistent feeling of tiredness throughout the day. Even after a full night's sleep, the patient still struggled with this overwhelming somnolence, which significantly impacted his ability to manage daily tasks and responsibilities.
• The sudden onset of somnolence during driving was a serious safety concern for the woman; she had to pull over to the side of the road. The immediate somnolence, coupled with a headache, led to an unsafe situation. The experience prompted a visit to the doctor to identify its causes and develop a strategy to manage the sudden somnolence.
• The teenager's sleep apnea was leading to excessive somnolence during school hours. She would often doze off in class, despite getting what seemed like sufficient sleep. Her teachers and parents were concerned with her persistent somnolence. This somnolence was affecting her academic performance and social interactions.