Many people in Singapore experience sleepiness that impairs daily functioning. While these individuals may have been previously diagnosed with narcolepsy or sleep apnea syndrome, recent research indicates they could actually have primary hypersomnia, findings published in Science Translational Medicine.
Primary hypersomnia symptoms include frequent episodes of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), prolonged nighttime rest or unexpected falls asleep at inappropriate times. This disorder differs from sleep apnea and narcolepsy which involve disruptions to normal wakefulness caused by problems in the sleep-wake cycle.
Treatment options for hypersomnia depend on what’s causing it. If migraines, vitamin deficiency or peptic ulcers are to blame, treating those issues typically relieves excessive sleepiness. If medications prescribed to treat other conditions cause excessive drowsiness instead of providing relief, doctors may adjust either their type or dosage as well as alter the schedule accordingly.
Stimulants that promote wakefulness, such as Modafinil (Provigil), are sometimes prescribed for those suffering from idiopathic hypersomnia. Other possible treatment options may include sleep-promoting medication like Methyphenidate and Amphetamine as well as lower sodium Oxybate (Xyrem). All three have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies as possible treatments; many of which have not been thoroughly researched within people suffering from Idiopathic hypersomnia.
Idiopathic hypersomnia can be treated using nonstimulant drugs that increase wakefulness, such as clonidine and diphenhydramine. Furthermore, low dose oral antidepressants like fluoxetine or citalopram have also shown promise in alleviating hypersomnia for certain individuals.
Contact your sleep doctor or The Air Station for more information about ResMed CPAP machines (continuous positive airway pressure machines) and CPAP masks, obstructive sleep apnea treatment and sleep study test if you have sleep apnea or other sleep disorder condition.
