HYPERSOMNIA
Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for Excessive Sleepiness
Did you know that 4% to 6% of the population suffers from hypersomnia?
Hypersomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, even after a full night’s rest. This condition can significantly impact daily life, making it difficult to stay awake and alert during work, school, or other activities.
Understanding hypersomnia, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for managing this condition effectively. Let’s take a deeper look!
Table of Contents
What Is Hypersomnia?
Hypersomnia refers to excessive sleepiness that interferes with daily functioning. People with hypersomnia may struggle to stay awake during the day and often take long naps that do not provide relief.
This condition can be classified into primary hypersomnia, where excessive sleepiness occurs without an underlying cause, and secondary hypersomnia, which results from medical conditions or lifestyle factors.
Causes of Hypersomnia
Several factors can contribute to hypersomnia as each case is quite unique to the individual. Here are some common causes of hypersomnia:
1. Primary Hypersomnia Disorders
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Idiopathic Hypersomnia: A neurological disorder causing excessive daytime sleepiness with no known cause.
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Narcolepsy: A chronic sleep disorder that disrupts the brain’s ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles.
2. Medical Conditions
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Sleep Apnea: Interruptions in breathing during sleep can lead to poor-quality rest and excessive daytime sleepiness. Check out how an adjustable bed can greatly improve sleep apnea, if you are suffering from it.
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Depression and Anxiety: Mental health conditions can cause sleep disturbances that result in hypersomnia. We have found that weighted blankets can be a great way to improve sleep if you suffer from anxiety.
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Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and brain injuries can contribute to excessive sleepiness.
3. Lifestyle and External Factors
- Sleep Deprivation: Chronic lack of sleep due to work schedules, social commitments, or insomnia. Sleep deprivation can lead to an unhealthy cycle causing even more sleep deprivation.
- Substance Use: Alcohol, drugs, and certain medications can cause excessive sleepiness during the day.
- Poor Sleep Hygiene: Irregular sleep schedules, excessive screen time before bed, and an uncomfortable sleep environment can lead to hypersomnia. Those can fairly easily be handled with minor lifestyle changes.
Symptoms of Hypersomnia
People with hypersomnia may experience any, or a combination, of the following:
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Persistent daytime drowsiness
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Difficulty waking up in the morning
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Long naps that do not refresh energy levels
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Trouble concentrating or memory problems
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Irritability and mood changes
Hypersomnia can have a large impact on your quality of life, leading to problems getting your work done, danger while driving or operating machinery, and lack of patience when dealing with your children / close family. This can impact your work and personal life and it is best to identify the main source for your hypersomnia to find solution before hypersomnia becomes a larger issue.
Diagnosing Hypersomnia
If you think you are suffering from hypersomnia, consult a medical professional as soon as possible.
If you experience excessive daytime sleepiness, a healthcare provider may conduct the following:
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Medical History Review: Evaluating your sleep patterns and lifestyle habits is typically the first step in providing an accurate diagnosis. Try to be as vulnerable and honest as possible, and do not hide any information from your doctor.
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Sleep Studies: A polysomnography or multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) may be recommended to assess sleep quality and diagnose sleep disorders.
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Blood Tests and Neurological Exams: Identifying underlying medical conditions that may contribute to hypersomnia can be a last step in the process, helping to identify other conditions such as neurological disorders and more.
Treatment Options for Hypersomnia
Managing hypersomnia typically involves addressing underlying causes and improving sleep quality. Some can be easy lifestyle modifications, while medical treatments will require a doctor’s diagnosis and intervention. Always consult a medical professional prior to starting any new treatment or medication!
Treatment options include:
1. Lifestyle Modifications
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Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day is the first step in improving the quality of your sleep. A consistent sleep schedule and sleep routine help signal to your body and brain that it is time for rest.
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Improve Sleep Hygiene: Reducing screen time and blue light emitting devices before bed, limiting caffeine and alcohol, exercising enough and at the right times, eating the right foods at the right time, and creating a comfortable sleep environment all contribute to the quality of the sleep you get each night. While changes may need to be implemented, they are typically easy to put in place and follow, with access to the right information. Feel free to browse our website for numerous articles on improving sleep hygiene and lists of best mattresses and bedding for each sleeper.
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Regular Exercise: Physical activity can promote better sleep and reduce daytime fatigue. But do you know how long before bed you should exercise? We have written a quick guide on when to exercise for each sport, in order to maximize sleep at night.
2. Medical Treatments
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Stimulant Medications: If recommended and prescribed by your medical professional, drugs like modafinil and methylphenidate can help improve wakefulness.
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Antidepressants: In cases of depression-related hypersomnia, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be prescribed to tackle your depression / stress / anxiety, which can help you catch more restful sleep.
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CPAP Therapy: For individuals with sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy can improve sleep quality. CPAP machines are available for home use and can make a big difference in the quality of sleep you get at night.
How Bedding and Mattresses Can Help with Hypersomnia
If you suffer from hypersomnia, you need to put all chances on your side, starting with your mattress and bedding.
A high-quality mattress and sleep environment can make a significant difference for those struggling with hypersomnia. Consider the following:
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Cooling Mattresses: Regulating body temperature can enhance sleep quality and reduce grogginess. A good mattress is made of materials that allow for airflow and let your body regulate its own temperature. If temperature is a bigger issue, consider upgrading to a powered cooling mattress. Those mattresses adjust to each sleeper’s preference and detect body movement to adjust the temperature and keep you asleep when it senses you are waking up.
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Memory Foam or Hybrid Mattresses: These provide proper spinal support, reducing discomfort that may disrupt sleep. Find a mattress that benefits your unique sleeping style by checking our lists of best mattress for side-sleepers, stomach-sleepers, and folks with back pain.
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Weighted Blankets: Help alleviate anxiety and promote deeper rest. By applying deep pressure to your whole body, you receive the calming effect a hug would have on your hormonal production, helping you feel better emotionally, fall asleep faster and deeper, and stay asleep longer. Note that you may only be able to handle a weighted blanket a couple of hours at first, working your way up to a full night over several days.
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Blackout Curtains and White Noise Machines: Creating an optimal sleep setting can improve overall restfulness. Did you know that anything more than 8 lumens prevents your circadian rhythm from kicking in and prevents you from sleeping well? Blackout curtains are an easy way to block incoming light and make sure you fall and stay asleep naturally. Noise can also be a hindrance to sleep. White noise machines help create an environment that is conclusive to sleep, by lessening distractions.
Hypersomnia - Final Thoughts
Hypersomnia can significantly impact daily life, but with the right approach, it can be managed effectively. If you experience excessive sleepiness, consult a medical professional to determine the cause and explore treatment options. Additionally, investing in a high-quality mattress and optimizing your sleep environment can contribute to better rest and improved wakefulness.
For more sleep tips and bedding recommendations, explore our expert mattress reviews and sleep guides.
References
- National Library of Medicine. (2005). Hypersomnia. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3181743/
- Mount Sinai. (2023). Idiopathic hypersomnia. Retrieved from https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/idiopathic-hypersomnia
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2025).
Narcolepsy. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/narcolepsy
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Hypersomnia is a sleep disorder causing excessive daytime sleepiness, even after a full night’s rest.
It can result from sleep disorders like sleep apnea, neurological conditions, poor sleep hygiene, or certain medications.
Doctors may use sleep studies, medical history reviews, and neurological exams to identify the cause of excessive sleepiness.
Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications like stimulants, and managing underlying conditions.
Yes, a supportive, high-quality mattress can improve sleep quality, reducing fatigue and daytime drowsiness.
More Sleep Resources
What is hypersomnia?
Hypersomnia is a sleep disorder causing excessive daytime sleepiness, even after a full night's rest.
What causes hypersomnia?
It can result from sleep disorders like sleep apnea, neurological conditions, poor sleep hygiene, or certain medications.
How is hypersomnia diagnosed?
Doctors may use sleep studies, medical history reviews, and neurological exams to identify the cause of excessive sleepiness.
What are the treatment options for hypersomnia?
Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications like stimulants, and managing underlying conditions.
Can a good mattress help with hypersomnia?
Yes, a supportive, high-quality mattress can improve sleep quality, reducing fatigue and daytime drowsiness.
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Laura Georgieff
Laura is a mother of three who did not sleep through the night for the first 5.5 years of her kids' lives. She is passionate about sleep quality and loves sharing her experience and knowledge of all thing bedding! It is her mission to help you make the best decisions when it comes to sleep and help you get the best deal on the market!
