DEAR READER: I have never heard of partial sleep apnea, but that does not mean that it isn’t a legitimate diagnosis. However, I have some doubts about your co-worker’s story.

Sleep apnea is a condition in which the sufferer experiences episodes of not breathing while sleeping. This can occur up to several hundreds of times a night and last for a minute or more each time. As a result, the individual may not wake rested and may experience extreme daytime sleepiness, which can lead to falling asleep at inappropriate times. Other symptoms include nightmares, waking gasping for breath, heart problems and more. Sleep apnea does not cause fainting, however.

A related condition, known as narcolepsy, can cause episodes of inappropriate sleep that can occur anywhere, anytime and may resemble fainting because of a loss of muscle control. This complex condition causes severe daytime sleepiness, hallucinations, sudden loss of muscle tone (also known as cataplexy) and sleep paralysis. Sufferers may also have sleep apnea, restless-legs syndrome and even insomnia.

Unless your co-worker is willing to share his medical records, there is no way you will be able to determine whether he is being truthful about his condition or whether he is simply trying to get out of working. If he is indeed being truthful, he likely had to provide his superior with a medical note from a physician, because the condition would necessitate special work considerations.

Bring your concerns to your boss. Be sure that he or she is aware of the situation. If the boss doesn’t know, it will then be up to him or her to confront the employee and determine whether the situation is valid.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Sleep/Wake Disorders.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.