Hypersomnia Unveiled: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Strategies

What is Hypersomnia?

Hypersomnia is a debilitating sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) despite having a seemingly sufficient or prolonged night’s sleep. 

Individuals may experience long, unrefreshing naps and a persistent feeling of fatigue that interferes with daily life. Hypersomnia is more than just feeling tired—it’s a clinical condition with physiological underpinnings that require careful diagnosis and management [1].

Understanding hypersomnia is the first step toward managing its impact. Recognizing the difference between general tiredness and pathological sleepiness is crucial in seeking proper care.

Causes of Hypersomnia: What’s Behind Excessive Sleepiness?

Hypersomnia can be primary (idiopathic hypersomnia) or secondary (linked to underlying medical or neurological conditions). Primary hypersomnia has no identifiable cause, while secondary hypersomnia is commonly associated with conditions such as:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
• Depression or mood disorders
• Chronic pain
• Hypothyroidism
• Traumatic brain injury

Research also suggests genetic and neurochemical dysregulation, such as impaired GABAergic neurotransmission, may play a role in idiopathic hypersomnia [2].

Guilleminault et al. (2000) [3] highlighted that poor sleep quality due to undiagnosed sleep apnea or periodic limb movement disorder often manifests as hypersomnia.

Identifying the root cause is essential for effective treatment. A thorough sleep evaluation, often through polysomnography or actigraphy, can help distinguish between primary and secondary hypersomnia.

Hypersomnia and Narcolepsy: What’s the Difference?

A common misconception is the interchangeability of hypersomnia and narcolepsy. While both involve excessive sleepiness, there are distinct clinical and physiological differences.

Scammell (2015) [4] outlines narcolepsy’s hallmarks such as cataplexy and sleep paralysis, which are typically absent in hypersomnia.

Billiard et al. (2006) [5] also reported that Multiple Sleep Latency Tests (MSLT) are essential for differentiating these conditions.

Recognizing the difference between hypersomnia and narcolepsy ensures appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Sleep specialists rely on detailed sleep studies and neurochemical assessments for accurate classification.

Can Hypersomnia Be Treated?

While some cases of hypersomnia require medical or pharmacological intervention, there are evidence-based natural strategies that can significantly alleviate symptoms and improve overall sleep quality.

1. Sleep Hygiene Optimization

Consistent sleep-wake cycles, avoiding stimulants before bedtime, and ensuring a comfortable sleep environment are foundational for managing hypersomnia.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM, 2017) [6] recommends structured routines and limiting screen time to stabilize circadian rhythms.

On the other hand, Czeisler et al. (1999) [7] found that light exposure therapy helps reset biological clocks in patients with delayed sleep phase syndrome.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)

Although CBT-I is traditionally used for insomnia, its principles (behavior modification, cognitive restructuring) also benefit hypersomnia by enhancing sleep efficiency and reducing anxiety.

Edinger & Means (2005) [8] reported improved daytime alertness in patients receiving CBT-I.

On the other hand, a research by Ong et al. (2012) [9] demonstrated that mindfulness-based CBT enhances sleep quality and reduces sleep inertia.

3. Exercise and Physical Activity

Regular aerobic activity has shown benefits in improving sleep onset and reducing fatigue.

Kredlow et al. (2015) [10] conducted a meta-analysis indicating that moderate physical activity improves sleep efficiency and reduces hypersomnolence.

Reid et al. (2010) [11] also found that older adults with hypersomnia symptoms experienced better daytime energy after exercise.

Natural management strategies like sleep hygiene, behavioral therapy, and exercise provide strong non-pharmacological foundations for hypersomnia treatment. 

These are recommended to be integrated alongside medical approaches (e.g. consulting a physician or a sleep specialist) or used as first-line interventions in mild cases.

Medical and Clinical Treatments for Hypersomnia

For persistent and severe cases of hypersomnia, pharmacologic treatment may be required. Common options include:

• Modafinil and Armodafinil: Wakefulness-promoting agents shown to reduce EDS without significant side effects.
  
  
• Sodium Oxybate: Used off-label for idiopathic hypersomnia to consolidate sleep.
  
  
• Pitolisant and Solriamfetol: Histamine H3 receptor agonists recently shown to improve wakefulness in clinical trials.

Rosenberg, R., & Bogan, R. (2010) [12] demonstrated modafinil’s efficacy in reducing sleepiness with minimal tolerance development.

Chest [13] also evaluated solriamfetol and reported significant improvement in MSLT scores.

Dauvilliers et al. (2013) [5] observed improved quality of life and reduced daytime impairment with sodium oxybate.

While medications can be effective, they must be used under medical supervision. A combination of lifestyle changes and pharmacological treatment often yields the best outcomes.

The Sleep Syndicate

While medical care is essential for treating underlying hypersomnia causes, everyone may benefit from optimizing their sleep behaviors. That’s where The Sleep Syndicate’s science-backed six-week program comes in. It can help improve your baseline sleep quality by helping you improve your sleep habits, which can support any treatment you pursue.

• Proven behavior modification techniques to guide you into long-term beneficial change
• Customizable text message reminders to prompt you when you most need it
• Educational content on sleep hygiene, sleep disorders, and evidence-based relaxation techniques.
• Sleep habits tracking app to monitor progress and assess improvements over time.
• Guided nightly wind-down podcasts, incorporating Science-backed techniques to enhance sleep quality.

Why It Works:

Science has shown that improving overall sleep habits using online sleep improvement programs may significantly enhance treatment outcomes as mentioned in research by Clocks and Sleep [14].

Stepanski & Wyatt (2003) [15] emphasize the role of structured behavioral programs in managing chronic sleep disorders.

JMIR mental health also confirmed that mobile health interventions effectively support sleep behavior change [16].

The Sleep Syndicate’s 6 Weeks To Better Sleep program

Final Thoughts

Hypersomnia can be a life-disrupting condition—but with the right diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle management strategies, people can reclaim their energy and productivity. Whether you’re seeking natural solutions, clinical care, or both, understanding hypersomnia is the first step to better health.

If you’re looking to take proactive steps today, we hope this blog post by The Sleep Syndicate’s provided you a research-driven, user-friendly path to improved sleep habits.

Disclaimer

THIS WEBSITE AND PROGRAM DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE AND IS NOT INTENDED TO ADDRESS MEDICAL CONDITIONS 

No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking changes to health-related habits, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Citations

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2. Liblau, R. S., Vassalli, A., Seifinejad, A., & Tafti, M. (2015). Hypocretin (orexin) biology and the pathophysiology of narcolepsy with cataplexy. The Lancet. Neurology, 14(3), 318–328. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(14)70218-2
3. Guilleminault, C., Stoohs, R., Clerk, A., Cetel, M., & Maistros, P. (1993). A cause of excessive daytime sleepiness. The upper airway resistance syndrome. Chest, 104(3), 781–787. https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.104.3.781
4. Scammell, T. E. (2015). Narcolepsy. New England Journal of Medicine, 373, 2654–2662. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1500587
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6. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (2017). Clinical Practice Guidelines. https://aasm.org
7. Czeisler, C. A., et al. (1999). Stability, precision, and near-24-hour period of the human circadian pacemaker. Science, 284(5423), 2177–2181. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.284.5423.2177
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9. Ong, J. C., et al. (2012). A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness meditation. Behavior Research and Therapy, 50(10), 651–658. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2012.07.004
10. Kredlow, M. A., et al. (2015). The effects of physical activity on sleep. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 38(3), 427–449. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-015-9617-6
11. Reid, K. J., et al. (2010). Aerobic exercise improves self-reported sleep and quality of life in older adults. Sleep Medicine, 11(9), 934–940. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2010.04.014
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13. Strollo, P. J., Jr, Hedner, J., Collop, N., Lorch, D. G., Jr, Chen, D., Carter, L. P., Lu, Y., Lee, L., Black, J., Pépin, J. L., Redline, S., & Tones 4 Study Investigators (2019). Solriamfetol for the Treatment of Excessive Sleepiness in OSA: A Placebo-Controlled Randomized Withdrawal Study. Chest, 155(2), 364–374. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2018.11.005
14. Contreras, D. A., Williams, E., & Tucker, R. M. (2023). Equivalent Improvements in Sleep Duration and Sleep Quality Regardless of Program Delivery Modality: The SLeep Education for Everyone Program (SLEEP). Clocks & Sleep, 5(2), 226-233. https://doi.org/10.3390/clockssleep5020018
15. Stepanski, E. J., & Wyatt, J. K. (2003). Use of sleep hygiene in the treatment of insomnia. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 7(3), 215–225. https://doi.org/10.1053/smrv.2001.0246
16. Vollert, B., Müller, L., Jacobi, C., Trockel, M., & Beintner, I. (2023). Effectiveness of an App-Based Short Intervention to Improve Sleep: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR mental health, 10, e39052. https://doi.org/10.2196/39052