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nodding off at weird times

What kind of doctor do I need to see if I'm nodding off while sitting, driving, and sometimes standing? It doesn't happen all the time, but yesterday was the scariest drive home. My eyes kept slamming shut for a second, and I was veering into the other lanes, and I could barely stay awake. This has been going on for years, but seems to be getting worse. I also have had resless leg syndrome for 46 years. I recently discovered that if I omitted dairy from my diet, the symptoms don't appear as often or as severe. I looked up narcolepsy, and it said that they sleep about 15 minutes and awake refreshed. I usually wake myself after a few seconds and never feel refreshed. I have very little energy and have tried changing my diet, drugs, and I have low thyroid which is well managed. When I fall asleep, even for a few seconds, I am dreaming immediately, sometimes talking or talking as I wake up. Can someone please help me-I'm getting really scared.
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Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello and hope you are doing well.

Excessive daytime sleepiness can occur, due to inadequate sleep at night due to sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea. If this has been ruled out, the excessive daytime sleepiness could be due to other disorders like narcolepsy. Adderall is used to treat narcolepsy. It could also be due to idiopathic hypersomnia. Please check with your doctor to rule out these conditions.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.
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Avatar universal
If you have that issue then maybe you should stop driving until you get treated before you injure yourself or another driver or pedestrian. It only takes a second or two.   FTB4
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Avatar universal
I haven't told my dr yet. The clinic I go to is staffed with PA's, and I'm not crazy about the doc who is there once a week, and he's just a GP. My thyroid has been stable for years. I read online about narcolepsy, but it said people slept for about 15 mnutes and awoke refreshed. I've gone to sleep in cars for years, but it comes on so suddenly, and driving is a terrifying experience when my eyes all of a sudden slam shut. I guess a neurologist? I do snore alot, and Im usually a stomach sleeper, but my husband swears I never stop breathing, and he has terrible apnea and has used a c-pap for years. Thank you for replying. I had bo idea that others do this too. I hope the c-pap helps you.
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497841 tn?1487718127
Well, no expert here, but have had similar issues.  In the afternoon, I can easily doze off, while a passeger in a car, sitting at a stop light, and others.  I found I have severe sleep apnea.  Just starting treating it about a month ago.  I does help some with the afternoon tiredness.  Narcolepsy is still a possiblity.  It can occur as an adult (im 52).  There are meds that can be used to stimulate you in the day time.  But look for sleep issues first, as well as managing thyroid.  Also check b12.  Has a dr recommended a sleep study?  TC.
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