Sleep and 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; at work or while they are driving. There may be other sleep related problems, a lack of energy and trouble thinking clearly.

Anxiety and stress may be the causes of recurrent nightmares.

There are other causes of Hypersomnia. The sleep disorders narcolepsy, daytime sleepiness, and sleep apnea interruptions of breathing during sleep.

Not getting enough sleep at night; being overweight; drug or alcohol abuse; head injury or a neurological disease; such as multiple sclerosis; prescription drugs, such as tranquilizers and genetics.

If you consistently feel drowsy during the day, talk to a doctor.  Expect the following questions when he is making a diagnosis of Hypersomnia, the doctor will ask you about your sleeping habits, how much sleep you get at night, if you wake up at night, and whether you fall asleep during the day. The doctor will also want to know if you are having any emotional problems or are taking any drugs that may be interfering with your sleep. The doctor may also order some tests.

If you are diagnosed with Hypersomnia the treatment can consist of trying various drugs, including stimulants, antidepressants, as well as several newer medications.

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, the doctor may prescribe a treatment known as continuous positive airway pressure which is for you wear a mask over your nose while you are sleeping. A machine that delivers a continuous flow of air into the nostrils is hooked up to the mask. The pressure from air flowing into the nose helps keep the airways open.

If you are taking a medication that causes drowsiness, consider changing to one that is less likely to make you sleepy. You may also want to go to bed earlier to try to get more sleep at night, and eliminate alcohol and caffeine.

Lack of sleep can cause major difficulties in your life and can interfere with work, social and everyday living.  Consult a doctor if it has become a chronic or troublesome.  Getting the right amount of sleep is essential to functioning to full capacity.