Idiopathic Hypersomnia

Idiopathic hypersomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is sleeping too much without an obvious cause such as narcolepsy or other sleep disorders and is believed to be a neurological disorder. It is different from narcolepsy, because idiopathic hypersomnia does not involve suddenly falling asleep or losing muscle control due to strong emotions (cataplexy). It occurs despite normal quality and quantity of night time sleep and is thought to arise from problems with the brain’s systems that regulate sleep and wake.

Symptoms

Symptoms often develop slowly during adolescence or young adulthood. They include:

• Daytime naps that do not relieve drowsiness
• Difficulty waking from a long sleep -- may feel confused or disoriented
• Increased need for sleep during the day -- even while at work, or during a meal or conversation
• Increased sleep time -- up to 14 - 18 hours per day

Other symptoms may include:

• Anxiety
• Feeling irritated
• Loss of appetite
• Low energy
• Restlessness
• Slow thinking or speech
• Trouble remembering

Treatment

Idiopathic hypersomnia is usually treated with stimulant medications such as amphetamine, methylphenidate, and modafinil. These drugs may not work as well for this condition as they do for narcolepsy.

Important lifestyle changes that can help ease symptoms and prevent injury include:

• Avoiding alcohol and medications that can make the condition worse
• Avoiding operating motor vehicles or using dangerous equipment
• Avoiding working at night or social activities that delay bedtime

Click here to see if you may have a sleep disorder

Patient Resources

• Patient Portal
• Pay Bill
• Patient Forms
• Insurance
• Virtual Visits