Hypersomnia Idiopathic - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Hypersomnia Idiopathic disorder of presumed central nervous system cause that is associated with a normal or prolonged major sleep episode and excessive daytime sleepiness. It is different from narcolepsy in that idiopathic hypersomnia does not involve suddenly falling asleep or losing muscle control associated with strong emotions (cataplexy). Other name is hypersomnia are excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), excessive sleepiness, or somnolence. There are at least two forms of the disorder: Premary is polysymptomatic form, characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, nocturnal sleep of abnormally long duration, and signs of sleep drunkenness on awakening. Secondry is monosymptomatic form that manifests only by excessive daytime sleepiness. The most widely used laboratory procedures are nocturnal polysomnographic recording followed by an MSLT demonstrating a mean sleep latency of less than 10 minutes. At least in the polysymptomatic form, however, continuous polysomnography on an ad lib protocol deserves to be performed to catch the abnormally long major sleep episode and the long unrefreshing naps. Hypersomnia is fairly common, with nearly 5% of the population affected. The age groups most affected by hypersomnia are teenagers and young adults. As with most sleep disorders, hypersomnia is underreported because many people inaccurately believe that always feeling sleepy and taking naps are normal behavior.

Hypersomnia is one of the symptoms of major depression. Idiopathic hypersomnia is five times less frequent than narcolepsy. Hypersomnia Idiopathic disorder is an excessively deep or prolonged major sleep period. Hypersomnia Idiopathic disorder may be associated with difficulty in awakening. It is believed to be caused by the central nervous system and can be associated with a normal or prolonged major sleep episode and excessive sleepiness consisting of prolonged (1-2 hours) sleep episodes of non-REM sleep. Idiopathic hypersomnia is a life-long disorder with no tendency to remit spontaneously. Complications are mostly social and professional. Hypersomnia treatment is symptomatic in nature. Drugs to treat hypersomnia. Stimulants, such as amphetamine, methylphenidate, and modafinil. Other drugs used to treat hypersomnia include clonidine, levodopa, bromocriptine, antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. 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. Tricyclic antidepressants (particularly clomipramine, imipramine and protriptyline) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors are useful in treating sleep paralysis, cataplexy and hypnagogic hallucinations.

Causes of Hypersomnia Idiopathic

Common causes and Risk factors of Hypersomnia Idiopathic

• Dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system.
• Physical problem( tumor, head trauma, or injury to the central nervous system ).
• Being overweight
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Prescription drugs, such as tranquilizers
• Certain medications, or medicine withdrawal, may also cause hypersomnia Idiopathic.
• Genetics factors.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypersomnia Idiopathic

Common Sign and Symptoms of Hypersomnia Idiopathic

• Long periods of daytime drowsiness which impair performance.
• Long, unrefreshing naps, often awakening unrefreshed.
• Long, often undisturbed sleep at night.
• Difficulty awakening in the morning with sleep “drunkenness.”

Treatment of Hypersomnia Idiopathic

Common Treatment of Hypersomnia Idiopathic

• Drugs to treat hypersomnia. Stimulants, such as amphetamine, methylphenidate, and modafinil.
• Other drugs used to treat hypersomnia include clonidine, levodopa, bromocriptine, antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
• Changes in behavior (for example avoiding night work and social activities that delay bed time) and diet may offer some relief.
• Tricyclic antidepressants (particularly clomipramine, imipramine and protriptyline) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors are useful in treating sleep paralysis, cataplexy and hypnagogic hallucinations.
• Go to bed at a set time each night and get up at the same time each morning.
• Try to exercise 20 to 30 minutes a day. Daily exercise often helps people sleep, although a workout soon before bedtime may interfere with sleep.
• Patients should avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Good sleep habits.