Idiopathic Hypersomnia
Idiopathic Hypersomnia Menu
Idiopathic hypersomnia is a neurological sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty waking up, and a lack of refreshment from naps. Below is a detailed menu explaining the condition:
– Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Feeling extremely tired during the day despite adequate nighttime sleep.
– Sleep Inertia: Waking up confused and disoriented, often referred to as “sleep drunkenness.”
– Long Sleep Duration: Sleeping more than 11 hours per night.
– Unrefreshing Naps: Taking naps that do not improve alertness.
– Cognitive Impairments: Difficulty with memory and attention.
– Emotional Changes: Anxiety, irritability, and mood swings
– Medical History: Reviewing personal and family medical history.
– Physical Exam: Conducting a thorough physical examination.
– Sleep Studies: Polysomnography and multiple sleep latency tests to assess sleep patterns.
– Questionnaires: Using tools like the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to evaluate sleepiness levels
– Medications: Stimulants like modafinil and armodafinil to reduce daytime sleepiness.
– Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding alcohol, and avoiding activities that disrupt sleep patterns.
– Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Hypersomnia (CBT-H): A form of psychotherapy to improve sleep quality and daily functioning
– Stimulants: Modafinil (Provigil), Armodafinil (Nuvigil), and Methylphenidate.
– Sodium Oxybate: Used to promote deep sleep and reduce daytime sleepiness.
– Other Options: Pitolisant (Wakix) and newer wake-promoting agents like solriamfetol
– Genetics: Family history plays a significant role.
– Nervous System Dysfunction: Possible issues with the autonomic nervous system.
– Autoimmune Disease: Symptoms may appear after a viral illness.
– Neurotransmitter Imbalance: Increased GABA-A activity may contribute to sleepiness
– First Described in 1976: Initially identified as polysymptomatic and monosymptomatic forms.
– Evolution of Diagnostic Criteria: Changes over the years to better define the condition.
– Current Understanding: Recognized as a heterogeneous disorder with unclear prevalence due to lack of biomarkers
