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Primary
Hypersomnia
Category
Sleep
Disorders
Etiology
Hypersomnia
is present in up to 5% of the population at some point in their lives and
is more prevalent in males. Causes can vary greatly but often the
symptoms begin prior to age 30 and continue to progress unless
treated. Some research suggests that sleep disruptions during the
night (such as breathing related sleep disorder) causes the individual to
lack REM sleep and therefore feel tired despite the fact that he or she
has slept through the night.
Symptoms
The
criteria for primary hypersomnia include excessive sleepiness for at least
one month as evidences by prolonged sleep during the night or excessive
daytime sleep. This must cause significant distress or impairment
for the individual and can not occur exclusively during another mental
illness, medical condition, or substance use.
Treatment
Treatment
can include medication, exercise, changes in diet or other techniques
employed to treat associated disorders if present (e.g., breathing related
sleep disorder). If associated with another mental (e.g.,
depression) or medical condition the symptoms of primary hypersomnia will
often dissipate went the other condition improves.
Prognosis
Hypersomnia
can be chronic, especially when not associated with another disorder and
therefore can continue to worsen if left untreated. Treatments are
readily available and can improve the prognosis significantly.
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