Hypersomnia: Everything you need to know

Hypersomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). People with hypersomnia may have trouble staying awake during the day, even after getting a full night's sleep. They may also experience difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and irritability.

**Symptoms of hypersomnia**

The most common symptom of hypersomnia is excessive daytime sleepiness. Other symptoms may include:

* Difficulty concentrating

* Fatigue

* Irritability

* Sleep inertia (feeling groggy or disoriented upon waking)

* Unrefreshing sleep

* Long sleep times (more than 10 hours per night)

* Frequent napping during the day

**Causes of hypersomnia**

There are many possible causes of hypersomnia, including:

* Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and depression, can cause hypersomnia.

* Medications: Some medications, such as sedatives, antihistamines, and certain antidepressants, can cause hypersomnia as a side effect.

* Substance abuse: Alcohol and drug abuse can also lead to hypersomnia.

* Lifestyle factors: Poor sleep habits, such as irregular sleep schedules and inadequate sleep duration, can also contribute to hypersomnia.

**Diagnosis of hypersomnia**

If you are experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. To diagnose hypersomnia, your doctor will likely ask you about your medical history, sleep habits, and symptoms. You may also be asked to keep a sleep diary for several weeks. In some cases, your doctor may order additional tests, such as a sleep study, to help determine the cause of your hypersomnia.

**Treatment of hypersomnia**

The treatment for hypersomnia will vary depending on the underlying cause. If your hypersomnia is caused by a medical condition, such as narcolepsy or sleep apnea, your doctor will likely recommend treatment for that condition. If your hypersomnia is caused by medication side effects, your doctor may adjust your medication dosage or switch you to a different medication. If your hypersomnia is caused by lifestyle factors, your doctor may recommend changes to your sleep habits.

**Tips for managing hypersomnia**

There are a number of things you can do to manage hypersomnia and improve your quality of life:

* Get enough sleep at night. Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

* Establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible, even on weekends.

* Create a relaxing bedtime routine. This may include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music.

* Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.

* Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.

* Get regular exercise. Exercise can help improve sleep quality, but avoid exercising too close to bedtime.

* Take breaks during the day. If you start to feel tired, take a short nap or go for a walk.

* Talk to your doctor about your hypersomnia. They can help you determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

Hypersomnia can be a challenging condition to live with, but there are things you can do to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you are experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness, talk to your doctor. They can help you find the best way to manage your hypersomnia and live a healthy, fulfilling life.

Source 😀 bard.google.com