Involuntary sleeping

[raelynn753]

Over the past few years I have had a few bouts of unexplained extreme sleepiness. I have had to pull over from driving to lay my head on the steering wheel for a few minutes because slapping my face and driving with the window down was not reviving me. Now these episodes are becoming a weekly occurrence. No matter my sleep the night before. I have been at my desk and the moment I put my head in my hands I will dream and jerk back awake. I will get up and walk around, inside and outdoors, but it will not help. My eyes will literally cross n try closing on their own. If I give in to it, it only takes a few minutes of sleep to relieve it. So I can fight it for half an hour or more, or I can give in and fall asleep for a few minutes. But it's not convenient when I'm driving (very frightening), at the kids' school program, or entertaining guests. I don't know what to do. It's not the same as when I am hung over, haven't had enough sleep, or am sick. I can control it, but not easily. I am becoming frightened.

[raelynn753]

This most often happens in the mid afternoon between meals but I have snacked before some episodes, during some, after others, and there is no difference. It also happened twice at night while already in bed but talking with my partner. Felt my eyes crossing n closing regardless of my efforts. Just fell asleep.

[jaraka]

have you eaten within 30 minutes or less when this sleepiness hits? How's your blood sugar looking? May want to have it looked at, it may be spiking and crashing

[Ricobord]

Definitely go see your doctor right away.  It sounds like it is not safe for you to drive.  It could be a sleep disorder, narcolepsy, or a neurological issue.