Hypersomnia

What is hypersomnia? 

Hypersomnia is a condition that makes it hard to stay awake during the day, even if you get recommended amounts of sleep on a regular basis. People with this condition can’t always control when they feel sleepy and may fall asleep several times throughout the day. 

Left untreated, hypersomnia may negatively affect your ability to succeed at work, at school, or in relationships with other people. Dr. Espinoza offers treatments that can maximize sleep quality and boost your energy during the day.

What are the symptoms of hypersomnia?

Hypersomnia symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Extreme tiredness
• Difficulty walking up
• Confusion after walking up
• Waking up tired
• Headaches
• Reduced appetite
• Hallucinations
• Memory problems
• Sleep paralysis
• Restlessness
• Feeling tired after sleeping a lot
• Trouble staying awake during the day
• Taking naps, but still feeling tired
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing
• Strong urges to sleep
• Sleeping more than 11 hours in 24 hours

Like with insomnia, your risk of accidents and injuries may increase because of hypersomnia. 

What are the risk factors for hypersomnia?

Hypersomnia risk factors might include:

• Overactive immune system
• Brain changes
• Genetics
• Narcolepsy
• Alcohol use
• Drug use
• Caffeine 
• Chronic conditions
• Depression or other mental health disorders
• Head injuries
• Some medications  
• Being a teenager or young adult
• Being female
• Family history of hypersomnia

However, the causes of hypersomnia aren’t fully understood, and research is ongoing.

How is hypersomnia diagnosed?

Dr. Espinoza diagnoses hypersomnia by reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle habits. He may complete physical and mental health exams, order lab testing, and recommend a home sleep study to learn which specific sleep disorder you might have and how to best treat it. 

How is hypersomnia treated?

Your customized hypersomnia treatment plan could consist of:

• Lifestyle changes
• Medications
• Supplements 
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Chronic disease management
• Stress management
• Medically supervised weight loss
• Optimal sleep hygiene 

While there isn’t a cure for hypersomnia, treatment with Dr. Espinoza can help you effectively manage the condition to reduce daytime fatigue and maximize physical and mental well-being. 

It’s helpful to maintain a regular sleep schedule, sleep in a cool and dark room, stay active, eat a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, and minimize stress. 

Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine late in the day and at night. Try something relaxing before bed (avoid blue light), such as taking a bath or reading a book, and follow up with Dr. Espinoza regularly to ensure an effective, long-lasting outcome. 

Call the RestoraMed Healthcare office to schedule a hypersomnia evaluation or request an appointment online today.