Final answer:
Susan might have narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime drowsiness and sudden sleep attacks. Symptoms can include cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hallucinations, with treatments often involving stimulants and antidepressants. Alternatively, her symptoms could be due to sleep deprivation, which has significant health implications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Susan may be experiencing episodes of falling asleep unexpectedly during the day, which could be indicative of a sleep disorder. A possible condition she might have is narcolepsy, a chronic sleep disorder characterized by overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep. Narcolepsy can cause people to fall asleep without warning, even when they're engaged in an activity. In addition to unexpected sleep episodes, symptoms may include cataplexy (a sudden loss of muscle tone that leads to weakness and a loss of voluntary muscle control), sleep paralysis, hallucinations, and disrupted nighttime sleep. Studies, such as the case study by McCarty (2010), show that while symptoms of narcolepsy can vary greatly between individuals, they often have a significant impact on daily activities. Treatment for narcolepsy often includes a combination of stimulant medications and antidepressants, which can markedly improve symptoms.
Other possible causes of daytime sleepiness that could lead Susan to fall asleep at her desk include the effects of sleep deprivation, which can be due to lifestyle choices, work obligations, or other health conditions. Sleep deprivation can lead to a wide range of cognitive and physical health issues, including mood changes, difficulty concentrating, and increased risk of accidents. As shown by research (Banks & Dinges, 2007; Williamson & Feyer, 2000), sleep deprivation has also been linked to serious long-term health problems like obesity and cardiovascular disease.