Hypersomnia, also called excessive sleeping, is when you will have a hard time keeping awake during the daytime. Daytime sleepiness will cause you to fall asleep at any time. As a result, this can negatively affect your work or school. It may even cause danger, especially if you feel sleepy while driving.
1. Types
Primary. It happens without the presence of other medical conditions. The only sign is excessive fatigue.
Secondary. Also, it is the result of other health conditions. These prevent a good night’s sleep because of their symptoms.
2. Signs
Look out for the following signs:
- One may feel sleepy during the day. However, it may happen even if you got a good sleep the night before.
- Difficulty waking up after taking naps
- Naps don’t feel refreshing.
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Loss of appetite
- Slow thinking or speech
- Difficulty remembering
Call your doctor if you notice the signs. Do so, especially if the signs are affecting your life.
3. Causes
There are many potential reasons for excessive sleeping. These are:
- Being overweight
- Too much alcohol intake
- Drug abuse
- Sleeping disorders: falling into a deep sleep anywhere, usually without warning; loud snoring, breathing and snoring at night
- Restless leg syndrome. Unusual sensations in your leg, especially at night.
- Lack of sleep
- Head injury
- Medicines that include sleepiness as its side effects
- Depression
- Genetics
4. Risk Factors
This sleeping condition may happen to anyone. However, women may be more at risk of having this. Those who smoke and drink regularly also have a higher risk. Those who have conditions in the heart, kidney, and brain may have more chances of developing this.
5. Diagnosis
Call your doctor if you feel sleepy most of the time during the day. Your doctor will likely ask about your sleeping habits. Hence, it includes how much sleep you get at night, the number of times to wake up, and the times you fall asleep during the day. It is a good idea to keep a sleep diary. You can record the times when you are asleep and awake. Besides, they will also ask about your recent activities. They will want to know if you are taking any drugs and if you have emotional problems.
They will perform tests to know the reasons for excessive sleeping. Also, there is a need for a blood test. Another is you may need to undergo a CT Scan. One of the best ways to know is through a sleep test. Also, it includes attaching something to your head to measure the activity of the brain.
6. Treatment
Your doctor will give medicine to cure excessive sleeping. They may also suggest another treatment or lessen your doses the drug. The treatment will mainly depend on the cause of your condition.
Doctors will also recommend lifestyle changes. Hence, it is a needed part of your treatment process. Steering clear of some activities near bedtime may improve your signs. They may also advise changes in your diet. Go for whole and nutritious foods to maintain normal energy levels.
7. Prevention
Changing sleeping patterns may not cure daytime sleepiness. However, they can help you feel better. Therefore, it is good to get as much sleep as you can at night. Go to sleep early. Keep a regular sleep schedule and follow it. You can do relaxing things before bedtime to help your body cool down. Also, it can help with night-time anxiety. You can do yoga or breathing exercises.
Healthy Lifestyle
Adopt healthy by exercising regularly. Maintain a normal weight. Of course, create a peaceful sleeping environment. Remove distractions. Avoid working late at night. Don’t watch television in the bedroom. As much as possible, use your bed only for sleeping. Ensure that your room temperature is comfortable for you. Too cold or too hot may cause you to wake up several times during your sleep. Limit the use of gadgets.
You may want to avoid using your phone hours before sleeping. If you feel sleepy during the day, you can take power naps. These will help you stay alert. However, doctors do not usually recommend this, especially if improved sleep is possible. It is because naps may cause you to feel energized and have less drive to sleep at night.
