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The Cleveland Clinic

Sleep Disorders: Hypersomnia

Introduction to Hypersomnia

Hypersomnia, or excessive sleepiness, is a condition in which a person has trouble staying awake during the day. People who have hypersomnia can fall asleep at any time; for instance, at work or while they are driving. They may also have other sleep-related problems, including a lack of energy and trouble thinking clearly.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, up to 40% of people have some symptoms of hypersomnia from time to time.




Next: What causes hypersomnia? »

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Hypersomnia

Insomnia Treatment: Sleep Aids and Stimulants »

What is insomnia and what causes it?

Insomnia is difficulty in falling or staying asleep, the absence of restful sleep, or poor quality of sleep. Insomnia is a symptom and not a disease. The most common causes of insomnia are:

  • medications,
  • psychological conditions (for example, depression, anxiety),
  • environmental changes (for example, travel, jet lag, or altitude changes), and
  • stressful events.

Insomnia can also be caused by faulty sleeping habits such as excessive daytime naps or caffeine consumption.

Insomnia may be classified by how long the symptoms are present.

  • Transient insomnia usually is due to situational changes such as travel, extreme climate changes, and stressful events. It lasts for less than a week or until the stressful event is resolved.
  • Short-term insomnia usually is due to ongoing stressful events, med...

Read the Insomnia Treatment: Sleep Aids and Stimulants article »




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