Hypersomnolence: What You Need To Know

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Chapters

0:00 Introduction
0:50 causes of Hypersomnolence
1:42 symptoms of Hypersomnolence
2:34 diagnosis of Hypersomnolence
3:03 Treatment of Hypersomnolence



• Hypersomnolence is a condition where a person experiences significant and extended episodes of sleepiness, even after getting around 7 hours of good sleep.
• It causes excessive sleepiness and somnolence during the daytime, as well as hypersomnia.
• Often, hypersomnolence indicates the presence of another underlying condition.
• The condition can interfere with a person’s daily activities and can prove to be dangerous while driving.
• Symptoms of hypersomnolence typically arise when people are between 17 and 24 years old.
• The condition has to be treated quickly as otherwise, it can negatively affect a person for their entire life.
• Let’s look at hypersomnolence in detail and find out how you can deal with it:
Causes
• The exact cause of hypersomnolence is not currently known, with experts continuing research into how changes in the brain could be responsible.
• An increase in brain chemicals that cause sleepiness is generally believed to be responsible for the condition.
• The key chemical here is y-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is also present in sedatives.
• Further risk factors associated with hypersomnolence are:
1. Family history of hypersomnolence
2. Excessive stress
3. Excessive alcohol consumption
4. History of viral infection
5. History of head trauma
6. History of depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, Parkinson’s disease, or Alzheimer’s disease
Symptoms
• Excessive sleepiness or sleeping is the primary symptom of hypersomnolence.
• You will tend to feel sleepy even if you get around 7 hours of sleep daily.
• Other symptoms you might experience are:
1. Napping to deal with the sleepiness not working
2. Unknowingly falling asleep several times during a day
3. Finding it difficult to wake up
4. Not feeling rested even after 9 hours of sleep
5. Feeling aggressive or confused after waking up
• Symptoms of hypersomnolence are similar to another sleeping disorder known as narcolepsy.
• However, bouts of sleepiness caused by narcolepsy tend to show up suddenly - whereas they occur more gradually in hypersomnolence.
Diagnosis
• A hypersomnolence diagnosis starts by testing for other sleep disorders.
• All other disorders are ruled out before settling on hypersomnolence as the condition causes excessive sleeping in a patient.
• A doctor will review your medical history, any medication you are taking, your sleep and work environment, and carry out a sleep study.
• All of this will help them categorically rule out other sleep disorders and confirm a hypersomnolence diagnosis.
Treatment
• Hypersomnolence is treated with stimulants, such as:
1. Methylphenidate
2. Amphetamine
3. Modafinil
• Along with this, you might have to take other medications, such as antidepressants, levodopa, clonidine, and bromocriptine.