Idiopathic hypersomnia is excessive daytime sleepiness with or without a long sleep time; it is distinguished from narcolepsy by lack of cataplexy (muscle weakness brought on by strong emotions), hypnagogic hallucinations, and sleep paralysis.
Idiopathic hypersomnia is not well-characterized. It is thought to be caused by dysfunction of the central nervous system.
The main symptom is excessive daytime sleepiness, with difficulty waking up in the morning (often requiring multiple alarm clocks). These patients often have sleep inertia (fogginess) for a hour or two after waking. Sleep time may or may not be prolonged.
Diagnosis of Idiopathic Hypersomnia
History or sleep diaries
Sleep tests
In idiopathic hypersomnia with a long sleep time, the history or sleep diaries indicate 10 or more hours of sleep a night; in idiopathic hypersomnia without a long sleep time, it is at least 6 hours but less than 10 hours of sleep a night. In both cases, polysomnography shows no evidence of other sleep abnormalities. Sleep latency testing shows short sleep latencies (8 minutes or less) without periods of rapid eye movements. Typically, people with idiopathic hypersomnia have difficulty waking up, and a period of sleep inertia after awakening, characterized by drowsiness, decreased cognition, and motor impairment.
Treatment of Idiopathic Hypersomnia
Similar to that of narcolepsy
Treatment of idiopathic hypersomnia is similar to that of narcolepsy. The most frequently used medications (for example, modafinil and oxybates) promote wakefulness.
Drug Information for the Topic
