Hypersomnia Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment : All You Need To Know

Experiencing sleepless nights and remaining dizzy the next day is something that we might have heard in common among most of the people. But, imagine what it might be if a person is in the state of lasting drowsiness and sleepiness?

Never getting that feeling of rest and a perpetual state of sleepiness and tiredness is indicative of Hypersomnia. 

Read this blog and know more about this sleeping problem and how to treat it. 

What is Hypersomnia?

Hypersomnia is also referred to by other names; excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Yes, Hypersomnia means “excessive sleepiness”. It is marked by a person having a hard time staying awake all through the day. It may happen even after long stretches of sleep and can occur with no medical conditions present. Essentially, there are two types of hypersomnia, primary and secondary. Primary hypersomnia usually occurs due to excessive fatigue and not any medical condition. On the other hand, secondary hypersomnia may occur due to medical conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, kidney failure, Parkinson’s disease, and sleep apnea. 

It is not a disorder in itself, rather it is a sign of other mental conditions. According to the National Sleep Foundation, around 40% of individuals witness signs of hypersomnia from time to time. Usually, poor or interrupted sleep due to conditions such as insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and sleep-related movement disorders can lead to hypersomnia. 

People with hypersomnia can sleep at any point- work or while driving or bathing. They may also have some serious sleep-related problems including being bereft of energy, poor concentration, among others. 

What causes Hypersomnia in a person?

There are some potential causes that can lead to hypersomnia. Sleep deprivation issues, being overweight, use of harmful substances  or drugs, depression, genetics might cause this disorder. It can also be caused by some of the problems relating to the brain system or even neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease.

How can you recognize your loved one who is dealing with hypersomnia? Being aware of the different signs and symptoms of hypersomnia helps in early identification and timely treatment which can help improve the quality of life of the person significantly.

Signs or Symptoms of Hypersomnia

An individual suffering from hypersomnia faces difficulty in remaining awake during the daytime and also they tend to take long naps during the daytime. Some of the other signs of Hypersomnia are-

• Firstly, the person feels sleepy throughout the day
• Loss of appetite
• Feel irritated or restless all the time
• Anxiety and depression
• Constant Tiredness
• Develop memory loss
• Difficulty in speech or thinking ability
• Feeling of  fatigue

Impact of hypersomnia

In many cases, hypersomnia is a result of some underlying medical condition. It is problematic due to its ability to affect the normal course of life. It hampers cognitive abilities at school, home, and work. Untreated hypersomnia can put the life of the person in danger. 

Fortunately, we do have treatments to offer the best possible solution to hypersomnia. The treatments usually depend on the accompanying signs and the type of hypersomnia a person is going through. 

The types include:

• Primary hypersomnia. Primary hypersomnia occurs with no other medical conditions present. 
• Secondary hypersomnia. It occurs due to other medical conditions.

Without proper treatment, the condition can severely disrupt daily life and lead to further problems.

How can Hypersomnia be Diagnosed and Treated?

As Hypersomnia looks very similar to that of other sleep disorders, it could be a difficulty in diagnosing the problem. It is always advised to speak to a professional or medical counselor about your sleep problems and disturbances.  After being diagnosed through counseling sessions, you will be directed to suitable treatment options to help you come out of the problem.

The treatment options for excessive sleep disorder mainly depends upon the cause of the disorder. The hypersomnia treatment plan could include either behavioral therapy, medication, or both. 

Most of the drugs meant for narcolepsy can also treat hypersomnia. The drugs include amphetamine, modafinil, methylphenidate. They help you in feeling more awake. Some of the other medications such as stimulants and antidepressants work well if you have emotional interferences in your sleep and give a positive impact in overcoming your disorder.

Natural Cure to help you from Hypersomnia

• Managing your lifestyle habits is a crucial part of your treatment process.
• Avoiding some of the activities that can improve the symptoms is much important.
• Having a nutritious diet in order to maintain the energy levels naturally.
• Avoiding the use of drugs and alcohol is absolutely necessary.
• Create a peaceful sleeping atmosphere and moreover avoid working late at night.

Why Cadabams for Hypersomnia Treatment? 

Cadabams has over 28+ years of experience in dealing with illnesses ranging from Depression to Anxiety and Hypersomnia. Our professionals are best at providing the right support and care you need. Treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and pharmacological interventions can help patients improve their quality of life. 

Hypersomnia FAQs

Q1: Does depression cause hypersomnia?

Hypersomnia occurs with depression. However, the relationship between the two conditions is complex, and it is unclear what triggers the other. 

Q2: How common is hypersomnia?

Ans: According to the National Sleep Foundation, around 40% of individuals witness signs of hypersomnia from time to time. 

Q3: Can CBT help with hypersomnia?

Ans: Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help people with sleep problems including hypersomnia and insomnia. It is a psycho-social intervention that aims to improve mental health using changed emotional or behavioral patterns.