The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has published a ‘Hypersomnia Information Page’. Persons with hypersomnia experience recurrent episodes of excessive daytime sleepiness or prolonged nighttime sleep, and are compelled to nap repeatedly during the day.
Patients often have difficulty waking from a long sleep, and may feel disoriented. Other symptoms may include anxiety, increased irritation, decreased energy, restlessness, slow thinking, slow speech, loss of appetite, hallucinations, and memory difficulty. Hypersomnia typically affects adolescents and young adults.
Possible causes:
- Another sleep disorder (such as narcolepsy or sleep apnea).
- Dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, or drug or alcohol abuse.
- From a physical problem, such as a tumor, head trauma, or injury to the central nervous system.
- Certain medications, or medicine withdrawal, may also cause hypersomnia.
- Medical conditions including multiple sclerosis, depression, encephalitis, epilepsy, or obesity may contribute to the disorder.
- Some people appear to have a genetic predisposition to hypersomnia; in others, there is no known cause.
Is there any treatment?
Treatment is symptomatic in nature. Stimulants or other drugs may be prescribed. Changes in behavior (for example avoiding night work and social activities that delay bed time) and diet may offer some relief. Patients should avoid alcohol and caffeine.
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