OBJECTIVE: To assess studies on excessive daytime sleepiness in adolescents and to present a systematic review the prevalence and associated factors. DATA SOURCES: Papers found on PubMed and SciELO databases presenting original results without restriction of time and language were evaluated. DATA SYNTHESIS: The prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness ranged from 7.8 to 55.8%. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the School Sleep Habits Survey were the main tools used in the studies. Associations of excessive daytime sleepiness with sleeping-related problems, such as teeth gnashing, sleep apnea and insomnia, among others, were frequently described. The association of other biological, environmental and behavioral factors with excessive daytime sleepiness was not clearly assessed. CONCLUSIONS: Many factors, such as sedentary behavior and alimentary habits, were poorly investigated so far and presented controversial results when analyzed as variables related to excessive daytime sleepiness. A lack of epidemiological studies with Brazilian adolescents was identified
sleep disorders, circadian rhythm; adolescent; epidemiology
