Sleepiness in the day (severe and unexplained)
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:
- Polysomnography (a night time sleep test), which will help rule out sleep disorders such as narcolepsy or sleep apnoea. You stay in a special bedroom and are observed from another room through the night. Electrodes are attached to your face, head and body to record brainwaves, muscle activity, eye movement, breathing and snoring.
- Multiple sleep latency test this test usually follows the next day. You'll be asked to take several naps throughout the day, so doctors can see how long it takes you to fallasleep when instructed (this shouldn't take longer than eight minutes for someone with hypersomnia).
Doctors may diagnose idiopathic hypersomnia if you have excessive daytime sleepiness and need regular daytime naps, but no other cause is found.
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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