Hypersomnia

Introduction

Hypersomnia is a medical problem which is caused by either prolonged drug or alcohol abuse or injuries and disorders of the central nervous system. In such cases the brain transmits signals of inadequate or incomplete rest to the body. These then trigger a response of sleepiness in the patient. These bouts of sleepiness are at irregular intervals and at odd times.

Defination

Hypersomnia is defined as excessive or prolonged sleepiness. This requirement of the body to go to sleep may be during the day or long hours of sleep at night. The patient may feel drowsy and go to sleep at odd hours all throughout day. It is accompanied by a feeling of inadequate or poor quality sleep and hence the urgency to go to sleep at the first instance.

Causes

Heredity plays a crucial role in the manifestation of Hypersomnia. Genes are responsible for Hypersomnia in most cases.

Prolonged drug or alcohol abuse is known to cause this sleep disorder. Some patients develop Hypersomnia once they are weaned off suppressive drugs especially if they have been dependent on them over a period of time. Injuries of the central nervous system and other medical conditions like narcolepsy too cause these sleep disorders. There are many other allied conditions like degenerative diseases of the nervous system that may also cause Hypersomnia.

Random Sleeping Tip

If you are going through different clinical conditions and you have to take the medication on a regular basis such as diabetes etc. then you need to make sure that you schedule your medication regimen at such times that just does not disturb your sleep patterns. So it is best that you take your medicines before you go to bed and at the time when you wake up. If your medication regimen is disturbing your sleep wake cycle then you must contact your physician to help you out with that.

Hypersomnia occurs most often in adolescents and adults under thirty years of age. In older population groups it is often associated with old age or a more acute medical condition as a result of drug or alcohol abuse/withdrawal, injuries to the cerebral system or diseases like epilepsy.

Symptoms

The most profound and distinct clinical evidence of Hypersomnia is drowsiness, a feeling of decrease in energy, lack of attentiveness, memory loss, irritation on being spoken to and listlessness. The feeling of perpetual sleep deprivation almost always leads to loss of appetite with its associated problems. While these symptoms appear relatively harmless they do not go away even after a prolonged rest or sleep.

In the case of primary Hypersomnia also called Idiopathic Hypersomnia these symptoms can be controlled to some extent with changes in life styles and management of anxiety. However, in the case of Psychiatric Hypersomnia the patient must undergo a more detailed examination to rule out other causes of the persistent listlessness. In such cases the physicians have to administer drugs for management of the symptoms. In certain cases drugs have to be supplemented with counseling by the psychiatrist.

Treatment

Hypersomnia is not life threatening and the treatment of the problem is symptomatic. Simple changes in life style patterns, minor changes to eating and sleeping habits and alterations to the environment effectively treats this medical condition. With a little bit of prudent care in observance of these precautionary changes Hypersomnia is permanently cured. In more serious case of Psychiatric Hypersomnia or patients with chronic Idiopathic Hypersomnia anti depressants and other types of stimulants may have to be administered.

Conclusion

Hypersomnia is a disorder of the young population between thirteen and thirty years. Life style changes almost always cures them. In more serious cases, a more elaborate medical intervention is required.

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