Idiopathic hypersomnia

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Sleep patterns in the young and aged

Idiopathic hypersomnia is excessive sleeping (hypersomnia) without an obvious cause. It is different from narcolepsy in that idiopathic hypersomnia does not involve suddenly falling asleep or losing muscle control associated with strong emotions (cataplexy).

Hypersomnia - idiopathic; Drowsiness - idiopathic; Somnolence - idiopathic

The usual approach is to consider other potential causes of excessive daytime sleepiness.

Other sleep disorders that may cause daytime sleepiness include:

• Isolated sleep paralysis
• Narcolepsy
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Restless leg syndrome

Other causes of excessive sleepiness include:

• Atypical depression
• Certain medications
• Drug and alcohol use
• Low thyroid function (hypothyroidism)
• Previous head injury

Review Date: 05/11/2009
Reviewed By: Andrew Schriber, MD, FCCP. Specialist in Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Virtua Memorial Hospital, Mount Holly, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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