What is the treatment for hypersomnia?
- Stimulants: Armodafinil, modafinil, methylphenidate, or dextroamphetamine are the most commonly used medications for...
- Antidepressants: These include amitriptyline, clomipramine, and doxepin amongst many others.
- Newer medications: Some of these include Provigil and Xyrem.
Full Answer
What is hypersomnia and how to cure it?
With adequate sleep — between seven to nine hours — the body stays healthy and can fend off diseases. Without sleep, the brain can't properly function, impairing abilities such as concentration, processing memories and thinking clearly. If left untreated, Maxfield said, "it can make you very ill."
How do you cure hypersomnia?
Such as:
- Try to maintain a regular sleeping schedule.
- Sleep in a peaceful room.
- Do not stay awake until late at night.
- Limit alcohol intake (less than 2 drinks /day for men and less than 1 drink/day for women)
- Do not take caffeine 4-5 hours before going to bed at night.
- Ask your doctor if you are on any medicines that can cause drowsiness. ...
How to cure hypersomnia?
- Daily periods of excessive sleepiness, or daytime lapses into sleep, for at least 3 months
- No evidence of cataplexy or sudden muscle weakness
- Results from a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) show a sleep latency (time to fall asleep) of less than 8 minutes or a total sleep time of 11 or more ...
Is hypersomnia and narcolepsy the same thing?
Hypersomnia isn’t the same as narcolepsy, which is a neurologic condition that causes sudden unpreventable sleep attacks during the day. People with hypersomnia can stay awake on their own, but they feel fatigued.
What is the best treatment for hypersomnia?
Your doctor can also prescribe various drugs to treat hypersomnia. These may include: Stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) or modafinil (Provigil) Antidepressants, such as citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft)
Can you get rid of hypersomnia?
Some people with hypersomnia can improve their symptoms with the right lifestyle changes. Medications can also help this condition. However, some people may never get full relief. This isn't a life-threatening condition but it may impact a person's quality of life.
Is hypersomnia a lifelong?
Depending on the type of hypersomnia, it may first present during adolescence and early adulthood, and it could require lifelong management. Hypersomnia can be either primary or secondary.
Is hypersomnia a mental illness?
The disorder that is most difficult to distinguish from Hypersomnia Associated with a Psychiatric Disorder is Idiopathic Hypersomnia (IH), particularly since 15–25 % of patients with IH report depressive symptoms [8].
What kind of doctor treats hypersomnia?
Mayo Clinic doctors trained in sleep medicine, including doctors trained in lung and breathing conditions (pulmonary medicine), mental health conditions (psychiatry), brain conditions (neurology) and other areas, work together to diagnose and treat people who have idiopathic hypersomnia. Research.
How many hours of sleep is hypersomnia?
Oversleeping is called hypersomnia or “long sleeping.” This condition affects about 2 percent of people. People with hypersomnia might require as many as 10 to 12 hours of sleep per night to feel their best.
Does hypersomnia get worse?
After onset, hypersomnia often worsens over several years, but it is often stable by the time of diagnosis and appears to be a lifelong condition.
Is hypersomnia genetic?
Is there a genetic origin in idiopathic hypersomnia, like in narcolepsy? RESPONSE: It is common (approximately 33%) for IH patients to have a family member with similar symptoms; therefore, researchers believe that IH likely has a substantial genetic component, but the details are not yet known.
How to treat idiopathic hypersomnia?
In addition to medical treatments for idiopathic hypersomnia, the following lifestyle changes 14 may help reduce symptoms and avoid injury caused by excessive tiredness: 1 Avoid anything that makes the condition worse: Alcohol, caffeine, and some medications may make the symptoms of IH more severe, so talk with a doctor or specialist about what to avoid in terms of diet and medication. 2 Be careful about driving: Driving a car or operating equipment can be dangerous for people with IH. Work with doctors, employers, and loved ones to make appropriate lifestyle and workplace adaptations. 3 Avoiding the night shift: Any activity that delays a person’s bedtime should be avoided in patients with IH. Always going to bed at the same time, even on weekends, may minimize symptoms.
How long does it take for idiopathic hypersomnia to decrease?
This condition primarily affects young males and episodes often decrease over a period of 8 to 12 years. Idiopathic hypersomnia: If a patient has excessive sleepiness, without cataplexy, that isn’t refreshed by naps or sleep, they may be diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia 5.
What are the primary disorders of hypersomnia?
Central disorders of hypersomnia that can be classified as primary include narcolepsy type 1 and type 2, Kleine-Levin syndrome, and idiopathic hypersomnia. Narcolepsy type 1: Narcolepsy type 1, also called narcolepsy with cataplexy, is a chronic neurological disorder caused by an insufficient amount of a neurotransmitter called orexin. ...
What causes hypersomnia?
Hypersomnia due to a medical condition: Medical conditions that may cause hypersomnia include Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, multiple sclerosis, and even obesity. Hypersomnia can also develop as a result of tumors, traumatic brain injuries, and diseases of the nervous system.
What is it called when you are tired and sleep longer than usual?
Some researchers classify hypersomnia as either primary or secondary. Primary hypersomnia is a neurological condition that occurs on its own and has no known underlying cause. Secondary hypersomnia occurs as the result of an underlying medical condition.
When does hypersomnia start?
Idiopathic hypersomnia appears to be a rare condition, but its exact prevalence is difficult to determine. Symptoms often appear in a person’s teens or early twenties 8, although they can begin at any age.
How many people experience daytime sleepiness?
According to a National Sleep Foundation Sleep in America poll 2, 43% of people report that daytime sleepiness interferes with their activities at least a few days a month. One in five report experiencing day time sleepiness at least a few days a week. Hypersomnolence is not a disorder in itself, it’s a symptom of other conditions.
What is the treatment for hypersomnia?
For example, if you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor may prescribe a treatment known as continuous positive airway pressure ( CPAP) to use when sleeping. With CPAP, you wear a mask over your nose that is hooked up to a machine ...
What to do if you are taking a medication that makes you drowsy?
If you are taking a medication that causes drowsiness, your doctor may suggest trying another drug instead. They may also suggest certain lifestyle modifications, such as going to bed earlier to try to get more sleep at night, and eliminating alcohol and caffeine consumption.
Overview
Hypersomnia is a condition in which you feel extreme daytime sleepiness despite getting sleep that should be adequate (or more than adequate). If you have hypersomnia, you fall asleep several times during the day. Hypersomnia affects your ability to function at work and socially, affects your quality of life and increases your chance of accidents.
Diagnosis and Tests
Your sleep specialist will ask about your symptoms, medical history, sleep history and current medications. You may be asked to keep track of your sleep and wake patterns using a sleep diary.
Management and Treatment
Treatment depends on what’s causing your hypersomnia. There are both medication approaches and lifestyle changes.
Prevention
There’s no way to prevent most types of hypersomnia. Hypersomnia is a chronic illness without a cure.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they aren't the same condition, but they do share some of the same symptoms, especially excessive daytime sleepiness. One of the main differences is that narcolepsy is associated with abrupt sleep attacks. This isn't a symptom of hypersomnia. Also, naps in a person with hypersomnia often are longer than an hour and aren't refreshing.
What are the three medications that are used for narcolepsy?
There are three major classes of medications approved for the treatment of sleepiness associated with narcolepsy: stimulant medications (i.e., derivatives of amphetamines ), non-stimulant wake-promoting medications (e.g., modafinil, armodafinil, solriamfetol, and pitolisant ), and sodium oxybate. Stimulants approved for the treatment ...
What are some non stimulant medications?
Non-stimulant wake-promoting medications include modafinil (e.g., Provigil) and armodafinil (e.g., Nuvigil). While it is not completely known how these medications work, they appear to influence the brain chemistry that increases wakefulness, particularly the neurotransmitter dopamine.
Is there a cure for IH?
At this time, there is no U.S. FDA -approved treatment for IH. However, there are several treatments approved by the FDA for use in narcolepsy, and it is common practice to use wake-promoting medications that are known to be effective in people with narcolepsy to treat the sleepiness associated with IH (this is called “ off-label ” use). ...
Can narcolepsy be treated with idiopathic hypersomnia?
Most of these treatments for narcolepsy have not been studied to nearly the same extent in people with idiopathic hypersomnia, and some people with IH do not achieve adequate control of symptoms with these medications. These medications, in some cases, also may stop working over time and/or have bothersome side effects.
Can IH medications stop working?
These medications, in some cases, also may stop working over time and/or have bothersome side effects. These medications may sometimes be used in combination, especially in people who are treatment-resistant. Researchers continue to test medications approved for other disorders, as well as novel treatments, for IH.
Can antidepressants help with hypersomnia?
Antidepressants, generally, have not been found to be helpful for treatment of idiopathic hypersomnia. However, one antidepressant— bupropion (e.g., Wellbutrin) —is known to have wake-promoting effects.
Does clarithromycin help with sleepiness?
Clarithromycin (e.g. , Bia xin) has been shown in a small, randomized trial to improve daytime sleepiness and quality of life more than a placebo, in those people with primary hypersomnias related to excess activity of the GABA system. Clarithromycin is in a class of medications called macrolide antibiotics, and is derived from erythromycin. It works as an antibiotic by stopping the growth of bacteria, and was approved by the U.S. FDA in 1991 for treating certain infections. In 2015, 20 persons, all of whom had IH, narcolepsy without cataplexy, or habitually long sleep time, participated in a 5-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, and were given either clarithromycin or a placebo for two weeks. Then, after a week off, the participants were given the other drug (either clarithromycin or a placebo) for another two weeks. At the end of the study, participants reported significant reductions in sleepiness and increases in energy. The researchers concluded that while the long term use of an antibiotic “must be justified by clinical benefit that exceeds these potential risks,” clarithromycin might be considered for daytime sleepiness, “especially in cases that are otherwise treatment-refractory.” ( NOTE: HF has published two journal article summaries about clarithromycin: 1) Antibiotic May Decrease EDS in GABA-Related Hypersomnia; 2) Summary of Research Into Clarithromycin as a Hypersomnia Treatment ).
What is the best treatment for idiopathic hypersomnia?
Treatment. Because the cause of idiopathic hypersomnia isn't known, the treatment is aimed at easing symptoms. Stimulant medication, such as modafinil (Provigil), might be prescribed to help you stay awake during the day.
What is a polysomnogram?
A polysomnogram monitors your brain activity, eye movements, leg movements, heart rate, breathing functions and oxygen levels as you sleep. Multiple sleep latency test. This measures your sleepiness and the types and stages of sleep you go through during daytime naps.
What is the Epworth sleepiness scale?
Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Your doctor may ask you to rate your sleepiness with this tool to help determine how sleep affects your daily life. Sleep diary. Your doctor may ask you to keep a sleep diary in which you log your daily sleep and wake times to help show your sleep amounts and pattern. Polysomnogram.
What is hypersomnia treatment?
Diagnosis. Treatment. Outlook. Seeking a doctor. Summary. Hypersomnia is excessive daytime sleepiness, and it has many possible causes. For example, it may occur with sleep conditions, such as narcolepsy, or develop after a head injury. The treatment of hypersomnia may involve behavioral therapy, medication, or both.
When does hypersomnia occur?
Depending on the type of hypersomnia, it may first present during adolescence and early adulthood , and it could require lifelong management. either primary or secondary. Primary hypersomnia presents with conditions that affect the central nervous system and directly affect sleep itself.
What are some examples of hypersomnia?
Some examples are narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia, and Kleine-Levin syndrome. Secondary hypersomnia is when excessive sleepiness is due to another condition or issue. Examples include:
What causes idiopathic hypersomnia?
In some cases, the cause may be an overproduction of a molecule that increases sleepiness.
What medications can help with wakefulness?
These could include amphetamine (Evekeo) or methylphenidate (Ritalin). Other options are nonstimulants that promote wakefulness, such as modafinil (Provigil). Doctors might prescribe treatments for other conditions, such as antidepressants for those with depression.
Can hypersomnia be lifelong?
The outlook of a person with hypersomnia could depend on its cause. Primary hypersomnia is manageable through treatment, but the condition can be lifelong and have serious consequences. For example, a person may have to give up driving if there is a risk that they could fall asleep at the wheel.
Can depression cause sleep problems?
Sleep problems are a symptom of depression, which can cause difficulty sleeping or oversleeping in some people. occurs with depression. However, the relationship between the two conditions is complex, and it is unclear which one causes the other. Learn more about depression and fatigue here.
What is the best medication for hypersomnia?
The treatment for hypersomnia includes medications that include. Stimulants: Armodafinil, modafinil, methylphenidate, or dextroamphetamine are the most commonly used medications for hypersomnia. Antidepressants: These include amitriptyline, clomipramine, and doxepin amongst many others.
What is hypersomnia sleep?
Center. Hypersomnia is defined as excessive sleepiness. Hypersomnia is defined as excessive sleepiness. This can be either in the form of recurrent episodes of excessive daytime sleepiness or prolonged night sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 20 out of 100 people suffer from hypersomnia.
What are the two types of hypersomnia?
Based on the causes, hypersomnia can be divided into two types: Primary hypersomnia: Primary insomnia does not have any other medical problem as its cause. It is an idiopathic condition and the cause cannot be found. Secondary hypersomnia: This is caused by conditions that include:
What are the sleep disorders in teens?
Sleep disorders in children such as: sleep apnea, parasomnias, confusional arousals, night terrors, nightmares, narcolepsy, and sleepwalking which can affect a child's or teen's sleep . Healthy sleep habits and good sleep hygiene can help ...
How much sleep do you need to be healthy?
The National Institutes of Health recommend about 7-9 hours of sleep each night for older, school-aged children, teens, and most average adults; 10-12 for preschool-aged children; and 16-18 hours for newborns. There are two stages of sleep; 1) REM sleep (rapid-eye movement), and 2) NREM sleep (non-rapid-eye movement). The side effects of lack of sleep or insomnia include:
What are the two stages of sleep?
There are two stages of sleep; 1) REM sleep (rapid-eye movement), and 2) NREM sleep (non-rapid-eye movement). The side effects of lack of sleep or insomnia include: Lack of sleep and insomnia can be caused by medical conditions or diseases, medications, stress, or pain.
What is it called when you have a problem sleeping?
Problem Sleepiness. When sleepiness interferes with daily routines and activities, or reduces the ability to function, it is called "problem sleepiness.". A person can have problem sleepiness without realizing it.
