What is Hypersomnia?
Hypersomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) despite having a full night’s rest. People with hypersomnia may feel the strong urge to nap repeatedly during the day, often at inappropriate times, and still wake up feeling unrefreshed. It can significantly affect daily life, work, and relationships.
What are the types of Hypersomnia?
- Primary Hypersomnia: The excessive sleepiness is the main issue, often without an underlying medical condition. A common form is Idiopathic Hypersomnia.
- Secondary Hypersomnia: Caused by other medical conditions, medications, or lifestyle factors. It may also result from sleep disorders like sleep apnea or depression.
What causes Hypersomnia?
Primary causes:
- Idiopathic hypersomnia (unknown origin)
- Narcolepsy (involves sudden sleep attacks and cataplexy)
Secondary causes:
- Sleep apnea
- Head trauma or brain injury
- Neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease)
- Depression or other mental health conditions
- Certain medications (e.g., sedatives, antihistamines)
- Substance abuse (e.g., alcohol, drugs)
- Poor sleep hygiene or shift work disorder
What are the symptoms of Hypersomnia?
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Long nighttime sleep (often more than 10 hours)
- Difficulty waking up (“sleep inertia” or grogginess)
- Feeling unrefreshed after sleep
- Napping frequently but not feeling better afterward
- Trouble concentrating, memory issues, or irritability
- Anxiety or depression (due to disrupted routines)
How is Hypersomnia diagnosed?
- Detailed medical history – Including sleep habits and symptom tracking
- Sleep diary or actigraphy – To monitor sleep patterns over time
- Polysomnography (overnight sleep study) – To rule out other sleep disorders
- Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) – Measures how quickly a person falls asleep during the day
- Blood tests – To check for underlying medical causes
What is the treatment for Hypersomnia?
Lifestyle and behavioral changes:
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine and sleep-friendly environment
- Exercise regularly, but not close to bedtime
Medications:
- Stimulants (e.g., modafinil, methylphenidate) – To improve wakefulness
- Wake-promoting agents (e.g., armodafinil)
- Treat underlying conditions (like sleep apnea or depression)
What are the complications of Hypersomnia?
- Difficulty performing at work or school
- Impaired memory or decision-making
- Increased risk of accidents (e.g., while driving)
- Social isolation or relationship issues
- Reduced quality of life
Can Hypersomnia be prevented?
While primary hypersomnia may not be preventable, you can lower the risk of secondary hypersomnia by:
- Practicing good sleep hygiene
- Treating underlying health conditions
- Managing stress and mental health
- Avoiding overuse of sedative medications