10 Causes of Hypersomnia
Hypersomnia or hypersomnolence is also known as excessive daytime sleepiness. It is a neurological disorder that causes excessive sleepiness, distress, and problems with functioning. There are several subtypes of hypersomnia which is classified under sleep-wake disorders. The main presentation of hypersomnia in patients is prolonged nighttime sleep for a minimum period of 3 months. It is estimated that hypersomnia affects about 5 percent of the general population. However, there is a higher prevalence of hypersomnia in men due to the sleep apnea syndromes.
The symptoms of hypersomnia can be quantified using subjective scales such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale or tests like the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT). Another scale that can be used to measure subjective sleepiness is the Stanford sleepiness scale. Once excessive daytime sleepiness is determined to be present, a full evaluation and complete medical examination is required to rule out other potential differential diagnosis. Hypersomnia can be divided into primary or secondary causes.
