The Relationship Between Hypersomnia and Sleep Apnea

Hypersomnia is a sleep disorder that can have serious mental and physical impacts if left untreated. Luckily, the condition can be treated. Hypersomnia and sleep apnea may present similar characteristics, but the conditions are different. Your doctor will conduct tests to establish if you have both of these conditions and the effects of each on the other. If you are suffering from sleep apnea in Melville, below is all you need to know about how the two conditions are related.

Hypersomnia

Idiopathic hypersomnia is a condition that makes you have excess sleep during the day, even if you had plenty of sleep the previous night. It is incredibly difficult for you to get up after sleeping, and there's never a feeling of refreshness. This disorder has a higher prevalence in men than women.

Adults need to sleep for at least seven hours each night. If you have hypersomnia, no amount of sleep will make you feel fully rested. The disorder can make you lethargic and have difficulty thinking clearly. You may have difficulty trying to remain awake in almost every place. Those who suffer may also find it increasingly difficult to connect with their family and friends socially.

Causes of Hypersomnia

There are two different types or causes of hypersomnia. They are primary and secondary hypersomnia. Primary hypersomnia is when there is no known cause due to the inexistence of any other medical condition—secondary idiopathic hypersomnia results from other medical conditions.

There is no specific cause for secondary idiopathic hypersomnia, and it can be caused by several medical conditions that can be unique to every patient including;

• Obesity
• Neurological Diseases (Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis)
• Sleep Deprivation
• Genetics (Hereditary)
• Sleep Disorders (Sleep Apnea, Narcolepsy)
• Use of medication or medication withdrawal

The condition is usually first detected in early adulthood, though it can happen at any time.

Hypersomnia and Sleep Apnea

If you have sleep apnea, you will likely develop hypersomnia. When you exhibit symptoms for hypersomnia, this is mostly attributed to sleep apnea. Your doctor at Chase Dental Sleepcare will ask you some questions during your consultation to establish if lifestyle adjustments can help bring relief to an underlying medical issue.

A sleep test is vital when it comes to identifying the relationship between hypersomnia and sleep apnea.

Sleep Testing

Since sleep apnea is always a suspect in the cause of hypersomnia, your doctor will conduct a sleep test to establish a relationship. The test is painless and straightforward. The tests are done overnight in a lab while you are sleeping in a comfortable room to maximize your chance of deep sleep. Your doctor will place electrodes on your head to look at your sleep pattern and disturbances. The data will then be gathered and sent to the attending physician to determine a treatment plan.

Do not assume that it is normal for you to need sleep during the day. While hypersomnia can be extremely hard to live with, it’s important to remember that there are treatment options available. If you or a loved one are consistently exhibiting the signs of hypersomnia, there is help.