U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Hypersomnia. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Retrieved January 4, 2023, from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/hypersomnia#:~:text=Publications-,Definition,sleepiness%20or%20prolonged%20nighttime%20sleep. 

University of Texas at Austin

A type of sleep-wake disorder that is defined by recurrent episodes of excessive daytime sleepiness or augmented nighttime sleep.

Hypersomnia

Current Treatments:

- Xywav (Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, and Sodium Oxybates)
- Stimulants (amphetamine, methylphenidate, and modafinil)
- Clonidine
- Levodopa 
- Bromocriptine
- Antidepressants
-  Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
- Changes in diet and social activities (avoiding night shifts and events that delay bedtime)

Current Treatments for Hypersomnia

Symptoms of Hypersomnia include:

- Constant, recurrent episodes of extreme daytime sleepiness
- Sleeping longer than average (10 or more hours) and still being very sleepy during the day as well as having difficulty remaining awake during the day
- Difficulty waking up in the morning (“sleep drunkenness”) or after daytime naps, while sometimes appearing confused or combative.
- Daytime naps don’t lead to improved alertness but are instead unrefreshing and nonrestorative
- Anxiety, irritability
- Decreased energy
- Restlessness
- Slow thinking, slow speech, inability to focus/concentrate, memory problems
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Hallucinations

Hypersomnia Symptoms

Although the causes of Hypersomnia are not clear yet, scientists are currently studying the roles of various neurotransmitters (specifically hypocretin/orexin, dopamine, histamine, serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain and spinal cord. Genetic ties are also being currently studied as family history is present in up to 39% of people with idiopathic hypersomnia. The impact of the genes associated with the circadian rhythm are also being studied (genes that may be different for those that have idiopathic hypersomnia).

Causes of Hypersomnia

According to the DSM 5,  you would be diagnosed if:

- one experiences excessive sleepiness even with at least 7 hours of sleep and has at least one symptom out of these three: lapsing into sleep several times in the same day, getting more than nine hours of sleep and not feeling refreshed/awake, not feeling completely awake after an abrupt awakening
- one experiences hypersomnia at least 3 times a week for at least 3 months
- hypersomnia causes significant distress or impairment in mental, social, or other areas of life 

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