Everyone has days when they feel tired. Maybe you’ve missed a few nights of sleep or are stressed at work. A little drowsiness is usually nothing to worry about. However, if this condition affects your life, it might be time to talk to a doctor to rule out an underlying cause.
About 33% of the US population suffers from excessive daytime sleepiness, also known as hypersomnia. People with hypersomnia find it hard to function during the day, which can affect their concentration and energy levels. It is a rather dangerous condition that can lead to serious health consequences. Here, we discuss in detail the types, causes, symptoms, and treatments for hypersomnia.
Types and causes of hypersomnia
Hypersomnia can be idiopathic, primary, or secondary. Idiopathic hypersomnia is when a person experiences excessive sleepiness without any apparent cause. Primary hypersomnia is when hypersomnia is the main condition. It can be caused by neurological reasons or occur as a symptom of narcolepsy.
According to one theory, some people produce too much of a certain small molecule in their cerebrospinal fluid. This molecule acts similarly to a sleeping pill or anesthetic. However, more research is needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Secondary hypersomnia is a consequence of another condition, such as:
- Depression
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Nerve damage due to a head injury
- Drug or alcohol use
- Tumors
- Central nervous system damage
- Medications
- Sleep apnea
Some of these conditions influence the ability to sleep at night, leading to daytime fatigue.
Who is at risk for hypersomnia?
People with conditions that cause daytime sleepiness are most at risk of developing hypersomnia. These conditions include:
- Sleep apnea
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Nervous system disorders
- Depression
- Low thyroid function
- Encephalitis
- Epilepsy
People who smoke or regularly consume alcohol are also at risk for hypersomnia. Medications that cause drowsiness can have side effects similar to hypersomnia. It often starts in the teenage and early twenties but can appear at any time. Symptoms may intensify at certain intervals. For women, they may worsen just before menstruation.
According to the Hypersomnia Foundation, about 10–15% of people experience symptom relief without any apparent reason.
What are the symptoms of hypersomnia?
The main symptom of hypersomnia is constant sleepiness. People with hypersomnia may sleep more than 11 hours out of every 24. They may nap during the day, but still feel sleepy.
Other symptoms include:
- Difficulty waking up after a long sleep
- Slow thinking and speech
- Memory problems
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Lack of energy
- Hallucinations
Tests and Diagnosis of Hypersomnia
To diagnose hypersomnia, a doctor will review your symptoms and medical history. The diagnosis of “hypersomnia” is likely if you experience the following symptoms for at least 3 months:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Uncontrollable need to sleep
- Long, unrefreshing naps
- Difficulty waking up
A doctor may recommend the following methods to evaluate hypersomnia:
- Sleep diary. You record your sleep and wake times during the night to track sleep patterns.
- Epworth Sleepiness Scale. This scale measures sleepiness to determine the severity of the condition.
- Multiple Sleep Latency Test. You nap during the day under medical supervision, and the device measures your sleep patterns.
- Polysomnogram. You stay in a sleep center overnight, and the device monitors brain activity, eye movements, heart rate, oxygen levels, and breathing function.
What are the treatment options for hypersomnia?
Treatment depends on the cause and type of hypersomnia. You may be prescribed stimulant medications commonly recommended for narcolepsy (modafinil, amphetamines, sodium oxybate, flumazenil).
Lifestyle changes can help some people manage their sleep or better cope with hypersomnia.
General recommendations include:
- Establishing a regular sleep schedule, such as waking up and going to bed at the same time every day
- Avoiding certain activities, such as eating or working in bed, to improve sleep quality
- Following a diet rich in whole foods can help maintain energy levels naturally
- Joining a support group
How can hypersomnia be prevented?
There is no way to prevent some forms of hypersomnia. You can reduce the risk of developing the condition by creating a calm sleep environment and avoiding alcohol and certain medications.
It is also important to address underlying health conditions, as ignoring them can lead to complications.
What are the complications of hypersomnia?
Hypersomnia can be dangerous if a person drives, operates machinery, or performs other tasks requiring alertness. It can also affect a person’s education and social life.
Ignoring hypersomnia may also mean that a person does not receive treatment for another condition, such as alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, or depression. People who sleep most of the day or more than an hour daily may have a higher risk of developing hypertension, stroke, or cardiovascular disease.
