Idiopathic Hypersomnia (IH) Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Idiopathic Hypersomnia?

Idiopathic hypersomnia is a neurological disorder, which is characterized primarily by severe excessive daytime sleepiness.

It is different from narcolepsy, because idiopathic hypersomnia does not involve suddenly falling asleep or losing muscle control due to strong emotions.

Historically, it has been rarely diagnosed and is often very difficult to diagnose at an early stage.

Due to lack of public awareness, people who suffer from it usually have to endure social stigma.

Causes Of Idiopathic Hypersomnia:

The underlying cause of idiopathic hypersomnia, until recently, has been largely unknown.

However, researchers have identified a few abnormalities associated with IH, which with further study may help to clarify the etiology. These include:

Destruction of noradrenergic neurons
injury toadrenergic neurons
malfunction of thenorepinephrine system
decreased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) histamine levels
hypersensitivity to GABA (the major brain chemical responsible for sedation)

Moreover the following factors increase the likelihood of developing idiopathic hypersomnia:

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

Symptoms Of Idiopathic Hypersomnia:

The following symptoms may be present:

Daytime naps that do not relieve drowsiness
Sleep inertia
Sleep paralysis
hypnagogic hallucinations
Difficulty in waking up from a long sleep — may feel confused or disoriented
Increased need for sleep during the day — even while at work, or during a meal or conversation
Increased sleep time — up to 14 to 18 hours per day
Anxiety
Feeling irritated
Loss of appetite
Low energy
Restlessness
Slow thinking or speech
Trouble remembering
Palpitations
Digestive problems
Difficulty in regulation of body temperature
Peripheral vascular symptoms
Cold hands
Cold feet
Autonomic dysfunction
Fainting episodes
Dizziness upon arising
Headaches
Food cravings
Impotence