What it means
A state of being sleepy and slow to respond, with a strong wish to sleep. It is a common side effect of many drugs, such as opioids, antihistamines, sedatives, muscle relaxants and some antidepressants. It can also come from lack of sleep, sleep apneasleep AP-nee-uhA sleep disorder in which breathing stops and starts again and again during sleep.Full entry , infection, low blood sugar, high carbon dioxide or a brain problem.
For the nurse
Teach clients on drugs that cause drowsiness not to drive or use machines until they know how the drug affects them, and to avoid alcohol. In a hospitalized client on opioids, increasing sleepiness comes before slowed breathing: check sedation level before each dose.
At a glance
| Spanish | somnolencia |
|---|---|
| Also written | drowsy |
Related terms
opioid analgesic
A strong drug that relieves moderate to severe pain by acting on the brain and spinal cord.
sedative-hypnotic
A drug that calms a person (sedative) or helps them fall asleep (hypnotic); the same drug can do either, depending on the dose.
insomnia
Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or getting restful sleep.
consciousness
The state of being awake and aware of oneself and one's surroundings.