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Idiopathic Hypersomnia – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Wednesday, April 25, 2018 by

Idiopathic hypersomnia is a very rare condition where an individual feels excessive sleepiness even during the daytime. This disorder can still occur even after a person has already slept for a long time.

Idiopathic hypersomnia is also known as excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), idiopathic drowsiness, idiopathic somnolence, and primary hypersomnia.

Idiopathic hypersomnia may be a primary condition or a secondary condition. Secondary hypersomnia is caused by a separate medical condition.

Individuals with idiopathic hypersomnia have difficulty accomplishing normal tasks during the day since they’re almost always tired. This fatigue may affect their concentration and energy level.

Known side effects of idiopathic hypersomnia

The primary side effect of idiopathic hypersomnia is constant tiredness. Even if patients with the disorder sleep several times in one day, they will still feel drowsy. They will also have a hard time waking up from long periods of sleep.

The other side effects of idiopathic hypersomnia may include:

  • Anxiety
  • Difficulty remembering
  • Irritability
  • Loss of appetite
  • Low energy
  • Restlessness
  • Slow thinking or speech

Risk factors for idiopathic hypersomnia may include:

  • Bipolar disorder
  • Celiac disease
  • Excessive weight
  • A family history of the condition
  • Fibromyalgia (a long-term condition that causes pain throughout the body)
  • Infectious mononucleosis
  • Liver failure or kidney failure
  • Narcolepsy
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Severe brain damage (e.g. due to trauma)
  • Severe depression
  • Sleep apnea
  • Thyroid disorders

Body systems harmed by idiopathic hypersomnia

Idiopathic hypersomnia may cause complications like:

  • Accidents which can be caused by the patient falling asleep while driving or operating heavy machinery.
  • Children with the condition may develop hyperactivity disorder.
  • An increased risk of diabetes, heart attack, heart failure, high blood pressure, kidney failure, and stroke could occur due to higher carbon dioxide and lower oxygen levels in the blood at night.
  • Individuals with narcolepsy may experience psychological and social dysfunction in various aspects of their life.
  • Patients who are sleep deprived may have a tendency to eat more and exercise less, which may cause obesity.
  • Patients with sleep apnea may develop pulmonary hypertension or an increase in the pressure inside the blood vessels of the lungs.
  • Poor quality of life due to an inability to concentrate.
  • Sleep apnea can affect higher brain functions, e.g. concentration and memory. It can also cause headaches and irregular menstrual periods in women with the condition.
  • Other complications of idiopathic hypersomnia may include depression, headaches, injury caused by sudden falls, and stimulant dependence or abuse.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent idiopathic hypersomnia

The following foods or nutrients can help prevent idiopathic hypersomnia:

  • Vitamin B12 — Vitamin B12, which is also called cobalamin, can help create energy by converting carbohydrates into glucose. Sources include dairy products, eggs, and fish.
  • Vitamin B5 — Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, can help improve fatigue and other medical conditions that can cause it like chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, multiple sclerosis, and stress. Sources include supplements or foods like broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, sunflower seeds, and strawberries.
  • Vitamin D — Vitamin D offers various benefits such as boosting the metabolism and absorption of phosphorus and calcium and regulating over 200 genes. Sources include supplements, exposure to sunlight or foods like egg yolks, cheese, and salmon.

Treatments, management plans for idiopathic hypersomnia

Treatment for idiopathic hypersomnia will usually depend on what causes the condition. Treatment options include medication and lifestyle changes.

  • Medication — Drugs for narcolepsy can help treat idiopathic hypersomnia. Medication includes amphetamine, methylphenidate, and modafinil. These drugs are stimulants that can help patients feel more awake.
  • Lifestyle changes — Lifestyle changes are crucial to the treatment process of idiopathic hypersomnia. A healthcare professional may suggest following a regular sleeping schedule and avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs. Patients may also be prescribed a high-nutrition diet that can naturally help maintain energy levels naturally.

Where to learn more

Summary

Idiopathic hypersomnia is a very rare condition where an individual feels excessive sleepiness even during the daytime. This disorder can still occur even after a person has already slept for a long time.

The primary side effect of idiopathic hypersomnia is constant tiredness. Even if patients with the disorder sleep several times in one day, they will still feel drowsy. They will also have a hard time waking up from long periods of sleep. The other side effects of idiopathic hypersomnia may include anxiety, difficulty remembering, irritability, and restlessness.

Risk factors for idiopathic hypersomnia may include bipolar disorder, celiac disease, excessive weight, and a family history of the condition.

The complications of idiopathic hypersomnia may include depression, headaches, injury caused by sudden falls, and stimulant dependence or abuse.

Vitamin B12, Vitamin B5, and Vitamin D can help prevent idiopathic hypersomnia.

Treatments for idiopathic hypersomnia will usually depend on what causes the condition. Treatment options include medication (e.g. rugs for narcolepsy) and lifestyle changes (like regular exercise and a healthy diet).

Sources include

Healthline.com

DoveMed.com

FindATopDoc.com

Livestrong.com



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