
Hypersomnia is defined as excessive sleepiness. This can be either in the form of recurrent episodes of excessive daytime sleepiness or prolonged night sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 20 out of 100 people suffer from hypersomnia.
You can initially try fixing your hypersomnia by making some lifestyle changes. Such as:
- Try to maintain a regular sleeping schedule.
- Sleep in a peaceful room.
- Do not stay awake until late at night.
- Limit alcohol intake (less than 2 drinks/day for men and less than 1 drink/day for women)
- Do not take caffeine 4-5 hours before going to bed at night.
- Ask your doctor if you are on any medicines that can cause drowsiness. Ask if you can switch to a non-drowsy medication.
If these simple steps do not help you in reducing your excessive sleeping condition, you should schedule an appointment with either your physician or a sleep specialist. The physician or the sleep specialist will find the exact cause of your hypersomnia and advice treatments accordingly. They can also suggest effective ways that help you sleep well at night.
What causes hypersomnia?
Based on the causes, hypersomnia can be divided into two types:
Primary hypersomnia: Primary insomnia does not have any other medical problem as its cause. It is an idiopathic condition and the cause cannot be found.
Secondary hypersomnia: This is caused by conditions that include:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (cessation of breathing during sleep that results in snoring)
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Parkinsonism
- Head injury
- Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels)
- Depression
- Heart problems
- Restless leg syndrome (an uncontrollable urge to move the legs continuously)
- Narcolepsy (extreme daytime sleepiness and sudden attacks of sleep)
- Bipolar disorder (mood swings that range from extreme highs to extreme lows)
How do you know if you have hypersomnia?
If you have hypersomnia, you will
- Have frequent naps during the day.
- Sleep for 10 or more hours and still not feel refreshed.
- Fall asleep during any activity, such as eating, talking, driving.
With hypersomnia, you may
- Get frequently tired
- Stay less alert
- Suffer from anxiety
- Become irritable easily
- Develop restlessness
- Make mistakes often
- Have poor judgment
- Work less efficiently
Excessive sleepiness can become a serious issue when you fall asleep in the middle of an activity that requires you to stay awake, such as driving that could lead to motor accidents.
What is the treatment for hypersomnia?
The treatment for hypersomnia includes medications that include
- Stimulants: Armodafinil, modafinil, methylphenidate, or dextroamphetamine are the most commonly used medications for hypersomnia.
- Antidepressants: These include amitriptyline, clomipramine, and doxepin amongst many others.
- Newer medications: Some of these include Provigil and Xyrem.
Along with the medications, it is also necessary to follow a regular sleep schedule.
If you have sleep apnea, your doctor may advise you to use a CPAP machine, which is a nasal device that is connected to a blower that keeps your airways open while asleep.

QUESTION
Why do we sleep? See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Excessive Sleepiness. Available at: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/excessive-sleepiness
Hypersomnia Information Page. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Hypersomnia-Information-Page
Top How Do You Fix Hypersomnia? Related Articles
Sleep Disorders: Foods That Help Sleep or Keep You Awake
Need more shut-eye? Your late-night cravings could be keeping you from a good night’s sleep. Should you drink green tea before bed? Learn about the snacks that raise melatonin, your sleep hormone, through tryptophan, and find out why whole-grain and high-protein dinners might help you sleep better.Hypersomnia
Hypersomnia is a condition where a person has excessive daytime sleepiness and trouble staying awake during the day. Treatment for hypersomnia includes medication, CPAP machines, and lifestyle changes.Problem Sleepiness
When sleepiness interferes with daily routines and activities, or reduces the ability to function, it is called "problem sleepiness." A person can have problem sleepiness without realizing it. Symptoms of problem sleepiness include: consistently don't get enough sleep, or poor quality sleep, fall asleep while driving, struggle to stay awake when inactive (like watching TV or reading), have difficulty paying attention or concentrating at work, school, or home, have poor performance problems at work or school, have difficulty remembering things, have slowed responses, have difficulty controlling your emotions, and/or if you have to take naps on most days.Sleep Disorders (How to Get a Good Night's Sleep)
A number of vital tasks carried out during sleep help maintain good health and enable people to function at their best. Sleep needs vary from individual to individual and change throughout your life. The National Institutes of Health recommend about 7-9 hours of sleep each night for older, school-aged children, teens, and most average adults; 10-12 for preschool-aged children; and 16-18 hours for newborns. There are two stages of sleep; 1) REM sleep (rapid-eye movement), and 2) NREM sleep (non-rapid-eye movement). The side effects of lack of sleep or insomnia include:- Irritability
- Tiredness
- Feeling sleepy during the day
- Concentration or memory problems
Lack of sleep and insomnia can be caused by medical conditions or diseases, medications, stress, or pain. The treatment for lack of sleep and insomnia depends upon the cause.
Sleep Disorders in Children and Teenagers
Sleep needs in children and teenagers depend on the age of the child. Sleep disorders in children such as: sleep apnea, parasomnias, confusional arousals, night terrors, nightmares, narcolepsy, and sleepwalking which can affect a child's or teen's sleep. Healthy sleep habits and good sleep hygiene can help your infant, toddler, preschooler, tween, or teenager get a good night's sleep.Sleep Cycle
Sleep is a mystery to many of us, but scientists know quite a bit about how it affects us. Here's what happens to your body when you fall asleep.Sleep Quiz
Take our Sleeping Quiz to learn which sleep disorders, causes, and symptoms rule the night. Trouble falling or staying asleep? Find out which medical treatments fight sleep deprivation, apnea, insomnia, and more!Sleep: The Best and Healthiest Sleeping Positions for Your Health
What is the best and healthiest sleeping position? Learn ways to say good night to back pain, neck pain, snoring, arthritis, and airway obstructions like sleep apnea. You may sleep on your side, stomach, or back. What does your sleep position have to do with chronic pain? Find out how to sleep for a more restful and comfortable night.