Definition of Hypersomnia
In this
condition, the need to sleep can occur at any time, including while driving a
vehicle or working, making this condition dangerous. Generally, hypersomnia
develops over several weeks to several months.
Diagnosis of this
condition is made after getting rid of more common sleep disorders. Meanwhile,
the treatment is aimed at controlling signs and symptoms with treatment.
There are several
possible causes of hypersomnia, such as:
- Sleep disorders such as narcolepsy
(daytime sleepiness) and sleep apnea (interruptions from breathing during
sleep)
- Not getting enough sleep at night
(sleep deprivation)
- Having excess weight
- Use of illegal drugs or alcohol
- Head injury or the presentness of
neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis
- Genetic factors
Symptoms of Hypersomnia
In someone who
has hypersomnia, other signs, and symptoms that can arise include:
- Often falls asleep during the day and
doesn't feel refreshed afterwards
- Falling asleep suddenly, often at
meals or talking
- Stay asleep for a long time at night
Diagnosis Hypersomnia
To determine the
diagnosis of hypersomnia, the doctor will evaluate the signs and symptoms
experienced, looking at medical history and family history. This includes the
treatment that is being consumed, as well as doing a physical examination.
Your doctor may
also perform several tests to determine the diagnosis of the condition and
determine the cause, including:
- Epworth Sleepiness Scale
Doctors can ask
patients to assess the drowsiness experienced to determine how daily it is
affected by sleep patterns.
- Sleep diary or sleep agenda
Doctors can ask
patients to note sleep agendas, where patients document sleep hours and waking
hours to indicate the duration and pattern of daily sleep.
- Polysomnogram
At this
examination, the patient can stay in the sleep research centre for one night. A
polysomnogram monitors brain activity, eyeball movements, foot movements, heart
rate, breathing patterns, and oxygen levels during sleep.
- Multiple sleep latency test or multiple sleep latency check
This examination
measures drowsiness and the type and degree of sleep experienced during naps.
This examination is generally done the day after a polysomnogram.
Treatment of Hypersomnia
Treatment of
hypersomnia is intended to relieve signs and symptoms that arise. A doctor can
prescribe certain stimulants to help the body stay awake during the day when
assessed needed.
In addition,
doctors may also recommend making regular night sleep patterns and avoiding alcohol,
caffeine, and certain drugs that can affect sleep patterns.
Prevention of Hypersomnia
Because the cause of hypersomnia is still not known with certainty, no prevention method has been proven to be fully adequate to prevent the onset of this condition. However, specific ways are believed to help lower daytime sleepiness. For example, by creating a sleep agenda, ensuring sleep and wakefulness at the same hour every day, and ensuring the sleeping environment is a dark, quiet, and cool place.
