Hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness)

Overview

People feel very sleepy even after a full night of sleep.

Narcolepsy is one type.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Extreme sleepiness

Less common

• Hard to wake

Look up a symptom: Falling asleep suddenly or very sleepy during the day · Sleeping too much

When to get medical care

Causes

Unknown.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Sleep study:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Regular sleep schedule
• Keep a steady sleep schedule
• Avoid driving when sleepy

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a sleep medicine specialist.

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• Sleep Foundation of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (sleepeducation.org): Sleep center finder and patient guides.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Teens and young adults: Often starts then.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Outlook depends on the cause; early care helps.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness)