Many of us know what insomnia is, but only a few know or have heard of hypersomnia. This is among the sleep disorders that are manifested by excessive daytime sleepiness. This type of disease is characterized by uncontrolled falling asleep during the day in any situation and can be very dangerous.
Hypersomnia is not receiving much attention and is underestimated by many because people mistakenly believe that it is the result of great tiredness or fatigue. If you want to know more, read on! Here we will tell you everything you need to know about hypersomnia, what its causes and symptoms are.
What is hypersomnia?
It is a sleep disorder manifested by excessive daytime sleepiness. People with hypersomnia often fall asleep during normal daily activities, and it is not only dangerous, but also limits their overall performance, daily life, and personal relationships. The greatest risk is when a person suffering from hypersomnia sits behind the wheel or works with dangerous machines.
It is not appropriate for the affected person to perform actions that require constant attention. A person with hypersomnia can fall asleep during almost any activity, including while writing, spending time with friends at the bar, in a pool, or during an interview.
It is believed that 4-6% of people suffer from this disorder. However, this number is only figurative; The exact percentage is unknown because there are many people who have hypersomnia but don’t know it or haven’t discussed it with their doctor. Hypersomnia is very often confused with fatigue or tiredness, but its origin is very diverse.
Causes of hypersomnia
The causes of hypersomnia are not precisely known, however, excessive daytime sleepiness can be caused by a wide range of events and conditions, including:
- insufficient or inadequate sleep: Long working hours and overtime may be tolerated for months or years before the symptoms of drowsiness take effect. Teens who stay out until the wee hours of the morning on weekends may be tired during the week.
- Environmental factors– Disrupted sleep can be caused by a variety of things, such as a snoring partner, a waking baby, noisy neighbors, hot and cold, or sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress.
- shift work: It is very difficult to get a good night’s sleep while working shifts, especially on the night shift. In addition to the problem of trying to sleep, there is also the effect of being out of sync with the body’s internal clock (the circadian rhythm).
- mind States– Anxiety can keep a person awake at night, making them prone to daytime sleepiness. Depression drains energy.
- Medications, such as alcohol, caffeinated beverages, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and antihistamines, can disrupt sleep patterns.
- Medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland), esophageal reflux, nocturnal asthma, and chronic painful conditions can disrupt sleep.
- Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, sleepwalking, narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia, and insomnia can cause sleep disturbance or fragmented sleep.
What are the symptoms of hypersomnia?
In addition to excessive daily sleep (more than 12 hours a day), there are several symptoms that should be taken into account:
- Uncontrolled and compulsive sleep episodes
- loss of appetite
- concentration and memory problems
- Irritability
- A feeling of “inner emptiness”
It’s not always easy to figure out exactly what’s going on and if you have hypersomnia or another health problem. Many people may think they are too tired without being entirely sure why, or that they haven’t slept much at night and need to «catch up» during the day.
The fact is that if we do not get enough sleep at night, we are tired during the day and have a need to sleep, but this condition can be easily distinguished from hypersomnia. However, if we have an uncontrollable urge to sleep very often, or even fall asleep during normal daily activity without our knowledge, it is not just fatigue but something more serious.
Diagnosis and treatment of hypersomnia
Identifying the causes of excessive sleepiness may involve investigations into lifestyle habits, medications, physical health, and emotional state. Sleep disorders should be diagnosed and treated in a sleep disorders clinic. Treatment depends on the disorder.
self help strategies
Hypersomnia can be helped in many cases with lifestyle adjustments to improve the quality of sleep, which is called good sleep hygiene. Suggestions include:
- Avoid cigarettes, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages close to bedtime.
- Follow a relaxation routine to prevent nighttime anxiety.
- Exercise regularly and maintain a normal weight for your height.
- Eat a well-balanced diet to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
- If possible, change your environment to reduce discomfort; for example, don’t watch TV in the bedroom.
- Make yourself comfortable; make sure you don’t get overheated or feel too cold in bed.
- Have a regular sleep routine so your body ‘knows’ it’s time to sleep.
- Go to bed only when you are sleepy.
If necessary, take short “power” naps during the day to stay alert and vigilant. Napping during the day when it is possible to improve sleep is generally not recommended, as it may reduce the desire to sleep at night. However, short naps can be invaluable in work settings and other times where concentration is required, such as preparing to drive or taking regular breaks on a long trip.
If you think that you or someone in your close circle suffers from hypersomnia, it is very important that you consult a specialist. The consequences of hypersomnia can be very serious, so it is good to pay attention to any abnormality related to sleep.