Sleepiness in the day (severe and unexplained)
Managingidiopathic hypersomnia
Idiopathic hypersomniadoesn't usually get better by itself. Many people find that the symptoms improve with treatment.
Medication
There are no medicines specifically designed to treat idiopathic hypersomnia, but medications used for narcolepsy can often help.
The main medications usedare stimulants, such asmodafinil, dexamphetamine and methylphenidate, which help to keep you awake during the day. See treating narcolepsy for more information on these medicines.
Antidepressants may be prescribed if emotional problems are interfering with your sleep.
A medicine called flumazenil has been shown to help some patients with idiopathic hypersomnia, although more research is needed to be sure of its effectiveness.
Lifestyle changes
Itmay alsohelp to adopt good sleeping habits, such as avoiding alcohol, caffeine and medications that make the condition worse, sticking to a bedtime routine, and avoiding working at night or engaging in social activities that delay bedtime.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about idiopathic hypersomnia, an unexplained condition that causes you to feel very sleepy during the day, despite getting a good night's sleep.
Signs and symptoms
People with idiopathic hypersomnia struggle to stay awake during the day and are usually compelled to take frequent long naps. These may be prolonged or at inappropriate times such as during a convers
What to do
See your GP if you're constantly drowsy during the day and it's affecting your everyday life. They'll want to know about your sleeping habits, how much sleep you get at night, if you wake during the n
Seeing a sleep specialist
A number of tests can be carried out to assess your sleep and help identify any underlying cause. These are usually carried out at a specialist sleep centre. Two of the main tests used are: Polyso
Managingidiopathic hypersomnia
Idiopathic hypersomniadoesn't usually get better by itself. Many people find that the symptoms improve with treatment. Medication There are no medicines specifically designed to treat idiopathic hyp
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