Content provided by SHW Research Team

Every day, numerous individuals struggle with hypersomnia, yet many are unaware of the simple lifestyle adjustments that can treat it. Identifying whether one has hypersomnia, or another condition is crucial, and this begins by recognizing the distinct warning signs of hypersomnia…

Hypersomnia is a condition that manifests itself in an inability to stay awake during the day. Specifically, it refers to those who get enough or more than enough sleep during the night only to still feel drowsy during the day. This can have a huge effect on someone’s ability to live a normal life.

Defining Hypersomnia
Unlike individuals with insomnia who struggle to fall asleep, those with hypersomnia face difficulty staying awake. They experience persistent sleepiness throughout the day regardless of the amount of rest they receive. This often impairs their ability to function optimally and may lead to falling asleep at inopportune times, such as at work, which not only affects their performance but also poses potential risks to others.

Studies indicate that hypersomnia is rarer in males than in females, with an estimated 5% of the global population exhibiting symptoms. It is typically identified during adolescence or early adulthood.

Symptoms of Hypersomnia
Common indicators of hypersomnia include:

• Persistent daytime fatigue
• Long sleep durations with persistent sleepiness
• Severe difficulty in waking up from sleep or naps
• Ineffectiveness of naps in alleviating drowsiness
• Irritability or anxiety
• Sluggishness
• Feelings of restlessness
• Slowed thought processes or communication
• Headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty in maintaining concentration
• Experiencing visual or auditory hallucinations

Causes of Hypersomnia
Primary Hypersomnia occurs in the absence of another medical condition that could account for the excessive sleepiness. The exact cause of primary hypersomnia remains unclear, but genetic factors and brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, histamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid, may play a role.

Distinguishing Primary and Secondary Hypersomnia
Secondary Hypersomnia is diagnosed when a known underlying condition is causing the excessive sleepiness. This can include neurological damage, the influence of alcohol or certain medications, and notably, conditions like sleep apnea.

Primary Hypersomnia is characterized as a condition where hypersomnia is the primary issue without an underlying cause. This category includes several types of Primary Hypersomnia:

• Narcolepsy Type 1
• Narcolepsy Type 2
• Idiopathic Hypersomnia
• Recurrent Hypersomnia, also known as Kleine-Levin Syndrome

Diagnosing Hypersomnia
Diagnosis of hypersomnia isn’t based on a single test but requires a medical professional to consider various factors. These include your symptoms, medical and sleep history, medications, and external factors affecting your sleep. Keeping a sleep journal and using actigraphy sensors can help track sleep patterns and provide objective data on sleep quality.

Research indicates that a hypersomnia diagnosis may be considered if:

• Daytime sleepiness persists despite sufficient rest, accompanied by secondary symptoms like: frequent daytime napping, feeling unrefreshed after waking, or requiring 10 or more hours of sleep without feeling rested.
• These symptoms occur several times a week for a few months.
• Hypersomnia interferes with daily activities, such as work or social interactions.

Treating Hypersomnia
Treatment for Hypersomnia may involve medications prescribed by a doctor. Due to the nature of sleep disorders, ongoing self-monitoring and regular consultations with a sleep specialist are essential for adjusting dosages and assessing the medication’s effectiveness.

Additionally, patients can adopt lifestyle modifications. Consistent sleep routines are crucial, such as adhering to a regular bedtime. Caffeine