A sleep disorder characterized by excessive sleepiness
Symptoms of Hypersomnia
The following features are indicative of Hypersomnia:
excessive daytime sleepiness
sudden loss of muscle tone
sleep paralysis
hypnagogic hallucinations
sleep apnea
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Common Causes of Hypersomnia
The following are the most common causes of Hypersomnia:
circadian rhythm disorders
hypothyroidism
diabetes
fibromyalgia
sleeping sickness
depression
anxiety
stress
Other Causes of Hypersomnia
The following are the less common causes of Hypersomnia:
medications like analgesics
antidepressants
antihistamines
antipsychotics
Risk Factors for Hypersomnia
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Hypersomnia:
people having low levels of the chemical hypocretin
Prevention of Hypersomnia
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Hypersomnia. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
eat carbohydrate rich foods
physical exercise in the afternoon
a cold shower just before going to bed
Occurrence of Hypersomnia
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Hypersomnia cases seen each year worldwide:
Very common > 10 Million cases
Common Age Group
Hypersomnia can occur at any age.
Common Gender
Hypersomnia can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Hypersomnia
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Hypersomnia:
Blood test: To check CBC and blood differential, blood sugar level, electrolytes, and thyroid hormone levels
Head CT scan (Computed tomography): To take the imaginary view of the head
EEG (Electroencephalogram): To record electrical activity of the brain
Sleep studies: To record the body activity during sleep
Urine test: To perform urinalysis for diagnosis of disease
Epworth sleepiness scale: To measure the daytime sleepiness
Complications of Hypersomnia if untreated
Yes, Hypersomnia causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Hypersomnia is left untreated:
low sex drive
impotence
lazy or lethargic personality
increased risk of accident while cooking and driving
obesity
Procedures for Treatment of Hypersomnia
The following procedures are used to treat Hypersomnia:
Hypocretin replacement: To maintain the level of hypocretin in the patients
Hypocretin gene therapy: To stimulate the production of hypocretin
Immunotherapy: To boost the immune system
Self-care for Hypersomnia
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Hypersomnia:
Take scheduled sleep: Sleep and wake up at the same timing daily
Take naps: Schedule short naps of 20 minutes at regular intervals during the day
Avoid nicotine and alcohol: At night, these can worsen the signs and symptoms
Do exercise: Get moderate, regular exercise at least four to five hours before bedtime