Hypersomnia: What Is It? Symptoms, Causes, Types & Treatment

Sleep disorders are common in the modern world, especially with the changes in our lifestyles. Sleep disorders generally affect the quality, duration and timing of sleep. According to studies, there are over 100 different sleeping disorders, which are broadly classified into four categories. 

1) insomnia

2) excessive daytime sleepiness

3) sleep rhythm problem: problems associated with sticking to a regular sleep schedule

4) sleep-disruptive behaviors 

Hypersomnia falls into the second category. 

What is Hypersomnia? 

Hypersomnia is a sleep disorder resulting in excessive daytime sleepiness or prolonged nighttime sleep. People with hypersomnia feel tired and sleepy during the day. They also need to take multiple naps during the day. However, it does not include a lack of nighttime sleep. According to the Hypersomnia Foundation, many sleep more than 11 hours a day. 

The urge to nap could happen at any time, such as during work, mealtime or even during conversation. However, these naps cannot make people feel better. They can not control their nap time, and they tend to sleep longer than usual. They will also face difficulty waking up, and after waking up, they will feel like sleeping more. Usually, naps have the potential to give an energy booster, and we feel refreshed after resting. But people with hypersomnia will still feel tired after the naps.

Symptoms of Hypersomnia

• Anxiety
• Increased irritation
• Decreased energy
• Restlessness
• Slow thinking and slow speech
• Loss of appetite
• Hallucinations
• Memory difficulty

Types of Hypersomnia

Hypersomnia can be classified into two groups: primary and secondary. Primary hypersomnia occurs on its own. It means there will not be any other primary health condition leading to hypersomnia. Secondary hypersomnia, on the other hand, results from or is linked to another medical condition. 

Idiopathic hypersomnia, Kleine-Levin syndrome and narcolepsy are included in primary hypersomnia, whereas secondary hypersomnia can result due to certain medical conditions, medicines or substances, regular insufficient sleep or psychiatric disorders. 

Though hypersomnia is not considered life-threatening, it can put you into some dangerous incidents, such as accidents. In general, hypersomnia is first recognised in adolescence or young adulthood.

Causes of Hypersomnia

1. Medical conditions: According to the National Institute of Neurological and Disorders and Stroke, hypersomnia can be caused by another sleep disorder, autonomic nervous system dysfunction or drug or alcohol abuse. Physical problems such as a tumour, head trauma or injury to the central nervous system result in hypersomnia. Multiple sclerosis, depression, encephalitis, epilepsy and obesity can also trigger hypersomnia. 
2. Idiopathic hypersomnia: It is classified as primary hypersomnia, and it is a neurological disorder. The exact cause of idiopathic hypersomnia is still unknown. The Hypersomnia Foundation, however, states that idiopathic hypersomnia may result from the extra production of a specific molecule in the cerebrospinal fluid, which acts like a sleeping pill.  
3. Kleine-Levin syndrome: Kleine-Levin syndrome (KLS) is a rare disorder in which a patient experiences spells of excessive sleep at certain intervals, abnormal behavioural changes and higher food intake. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, KLS typically affects adolescent males. 
4. Narcolepsy: Patients with narcolepsy experience extreme tiredness and sudden sleep attacks. Sleep paralysis, REM sleep changes and hallucinations are also associated with narcolepsy.
5. Medications or withdrawals: Taking certain medications or substances could contribute to secondary hypersomnia. Sedatives, anti-epileptic drugs, anti-hypertensive drugs, skeletal muscle relaxants, anti-parkinsonian agents, opiates and antipsychotics are included in the list of medications which could trigger hypersomnia. The use of cannabis and alcohol can also trigger hypersomnia.
6. Chronic sleep deprivation: If you are having a consistent lack of sleep, it can result in secondary hypersomnia. A healthy adult needs 7 to 9 hours of good sleep every day. If your sleep cycle is getting disturbed very frequently, you are risking yourselves to hypersomnia.
7. Mental health issues: People with mental health illnesses are often susceptible to hypersomnia as well. But hypersomnia is not necessarily caused by mental health issues.

Who is at Risk for Hypersomnia?

People with sleep apnoea, heart conditions, kidney conditions, low thyroid function and atypical depression are at risk for hypersomnia. 

How is Hypersomnia Diagnosed?

A sleep specialist can diagnose hypersomnia by tracking the sleep cycle. The specialist will take detailed notes on the symptoms along with the analysis of the medical history, sleep history and the medicines that you are taking. The specialist would then direct you to observe your sleep cycles for a particular period. Often, you will be given a sensor to wear on the wrist, which helps to track sleep disruptions. Polysomnography examination, a sleep latency test, and sleep questionnaires are also part of the diagnosis.

People often confuse sleep deprivation with hypersomnia. When you are sleep deprived, you will be tired and feel like taking several naps at day time. It is because you have not gotten proper or enough sleep the previous night. Hypersomnia is different from this. In this condition, even after sleeping enough at night, you will feel excessive sleepiness during the day. If you are having this issue, along with other symptoms, such as not feeling refreshed even after 9 hours of sleep and several daytime naps at least three days a week, you should consult a specialist. 

What are The Treatments for Hypersomnia?

Treatments for hypersomnia depend on the cause. Doctors often prescribe medicines after a close monitoring and detailed examination of the patient. These medicines promote wakefulness. You must strictly follow the doctor's directions. 

In other cases, doctors suggest making healthy lifestyle changes, particularly when it comes to sleep which could help to tackle hypersomnia. Certain habits like keeping a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and exercising late at night can help to improve your sleep. 

Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule will help your body to fall asleep at the same time every day. A good bedroom which is cool, dark and quiet fosters optimal relaxation. 

So, it is better to consult the specialist before hypersomnia takes a toll on your social, professional and personal life.