Types Of Hypersomnia

April 24 2024 TalktoAngel 0 comments 540 Views

Hypersomnia is a neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and prolonged nighttime sleep. People with hypersomnia often experience difficulty waking up in the morning and may feel groggy or disoriented even after a full night's sleep. Hypersomnia can have a significant impact on daily life, affecting work performance, personal relationships, and overall quality of life. In this article, we will explore the types of hypersomnia, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Types of Hypersomnia:

There are two main types of hypersomnia: primary and secondary. Primary hypersomnia is a rare neurological disorder that is believed to be caused by a malfunction in the brain's sleep-wake regulation system. Secondary hypersomnia, on the other hand, is a symptom of an underlying medical condition or substance use.

Primary Hypersomnia:

Primary hypersomnia, also known as idiopathic hypersomnia, is a chronic neurological disorder that affects less than 1% of the population. It is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness that persists for at least 3 months and is not attributable to another medical condition or substance use. People with primary hypersomnia may sleep for more than 10 hours per day and still feel tired and groggy. They may also experience sleep paralysis, hallucinations, and automatic behaviors such as eating or driving while asleep.

Secondary Hypersomnia:

Secondary hypersomnia is a symptom of an underlying medical condition or substance use. Numerous things can contribute to it, such as:

Sleep apnea: a condition in which the airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing the person to wake up repeatedly throughout the night.
Narcolepsy: a neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep paralysis, and hallucinations.
Depression: a mood disorder that can cause fatigue, lethargy, and disrupted sleep patterns.
Chronic pain: persistent pain can make sleeping difficult, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness.
Substance use: certain drugs, such as alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines, can cause drowsiness and prolonged sleep.

Symptoms of Hypersomnia:

The main symptom of hypersomnia is excessive daytime sleepiness that persists for at least 3 months. People with hypersomnia may have difficulty waking up in the morning and may feel groggy or disoriented even after a full night's sleep. They may also experience:

Difficulty concentrating and completing tasks.
Memory problems.
Irritability and mood swings.
Headaches.
Loss of appetite.
Restlessness and agitation.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

Diagnosing hypersomnia can be challenging, as it requires ruling out other medical conditions and substance use. Doctors may perform a physical examination, blood tests, and sleep studies to determine the underlying cause of excessive daytime sleepiness. Treatment options vary depending on the type and cause of hypersomnia. They may include:

Stimulant medications: such as modafinil or methylphenidate, can improve alertness and reduce daytime sleepiness.
Antidepressants: if depression is the underlying cause of hypersomnia.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine: if sleep apnea is the underlying cause of hypersomnia.
Lifestyle changes: such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and engaging in regular exercise.

If the underlying cause of hypersomnia is psychological, therapy can be an effective treatment option. Hypersomnia can be caused by a range of psychological conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help individuals identify and address the underlying psychological factors that contribute to their excessive daytime sleepiness.

Several types of psychotherapy may be effective for treating hypersomnia, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychoanalytic therapy. CBT is a short-term therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to sleep problems. In the case of hypersomnia, CBT may involve helping individuals establish healthy sleep habits, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine.

Psychoanalytic therapy, on the other hand, is a longer-term therapy that aims to help individuals gain insight into their unconscious thoughts and behaviors. In the case of hypersomnia, psychoanalytic therapy may help individuals explore the root causes of their excessive daytime sleepiness, such as unresolved trauma or conflict.

It is important to note that therapy may not be effective for all individuals with hypersomnia, and a combination of therapy and medication may be necessary for some individuals. It is also important to work with a qualified mental health professional or an online counsellor who has experience treating hypersomnia and related sleep disorders.

In conclusion, there are efficient treatment options accessible for hypersomnia, even though it can negatively impair daily living. When there is a psychological underlying cause, therapy—especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychoanalytic therapy—can be quite helpful. It's crucial to understand that treatment may not be appropriate for everyone and that some people may require both medicine and therapy. Online counseling can be a practical and accessible substitute for in-person psychotherapy if accessing it proves to be difficult. Working with a licensed online therapist is essential to customize the treatment plan to each patient's requirements and objectives, regardless of the strategy chosen. Do not hesitate to contact your doctor if you are experiencing severe daytime sleepiness. You may also want to look into online counseling or other therapeutic options.

Contributed by: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist & Life Coach & Ms. Aditi Bhardwaj, Psychologist