This page will help you answer your questions about hypersomnia.
What is Hypersomnia?
Hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness) is a condition that affects some individuals, making it difficult to stay awake during the day, even though they have had enough sleep at night.
What Causes Hypersomnia?
1- Certain medications can affect a person's sleep habits. Some medications may increase feelings of drowsiness, such as allergy medications, antihistamines, sedatives (painkillers), some high blood pressure medications, antiepileptic drugs, medications for Parkinson's disease, and skeletal muscle relaxants.
2- Anxiety can cause insomnia and difficulty sleeping at night, leading to hypersomnia during the day.
• Various psychological disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, may also contribute to hypersomnia.
1- Certain health problems like hypothyroidism, gastroesophageal reflux, nocturnal asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, some nervous system diseases, tumors, and brain injuries.
2- The use of drugs and alcohol.
3- Inadequate sleep.
Recommended sleep durations by age group:
- From birth to 3 months: 14 to 17 hours
- From 4 to 12 months: 12 to 16 hours
- From 1 to 2 years: 11 to 14 hours
- From 3 to 5 years: 10 to 13 hours
- Children aged 6 to 12 years: 9 to 12 hours
- Adolescents aged 13 to 17 years: 8 to 10 hours
- Adults aged 18 to 64 years: 7 to 9 hours
- Elderly people over 64 years: 7 to 8 hours
Here's a sleep guide to help you achieve healthy sleep.
How Do You Deal with Hypersomnia? Tips to Help You Overcome Hypersomnia.
The following tips may help improve your nighttime sleep and reduce daytime sleepiness:
- Train your body to sleep at a consistent and fixed time.
- Follow habits that promote relaxation before bedtime (like yoga).
- If you have trouble falling asleep within 20 minutes, get out of bed and engage in a light physical activity.
- Avoid taking naps after 3 PM.
- Try to reduce the consumption of caffeine-containing products in the evening.
- Ensure a comfortable sleep environment (make sure the air conditioning is at a suitable level, neither too cold nor too hot, and that no light enters the bedroom).
- Avoid using your phone or portable devices at least an hour before sleep.
- Avoid working or studying in bed or during late hours.
- Upon waking, try to expose yourself to sunlight as much as possible.
When Should You See a Doctor?
– If you are falling asleep frequently during the day.
– If excessive drowsiness interferes with your daily activities or quality of life.
Frequently asked questions:
Can certain foods contribute to hypersomnia?
Some studies suggest that high-carbohydrate meals may promote drowsiness.
