Is there a cure for hypersomnia?

Have you ever been told that you are sleeping more than the average human? No, pfft. You’re just in college, nothing beats sleepless nights and caffeine overdoses during exams. But if it turns out to be true after graduating, well…

Hypersomnia is a rare neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Simple enough right? Even though feeling sleepy 24/7 or falling asleep anytime anywhere might sound like heaven on earth for some people (yes Karen with a noisy neighbour), EDS is definitely not something everyone would want.

But hey in our world today where technology keeps evolving every single day, “Do you think there’s hope for diagnosed people who can’t stay awake?” wondered curious minds near and far. Let’s get everything straight about hypersomnia including causes, types which means subtypes too and treatments available.

What Causes Hypersomnia?

There isn’t a definitive cause of hypersomnia since it’s such an uncommon issue. However here are some possible reasons that may contribute towards its development:
Inherited genes
– Abnormal brain activity
– Disorders related to metabolism – affects how energy production works within cells of the body

According to National Sleep Foundation, hypersomnolence syndrome frequently coexists with other medical disorders like depression, anxiety or menopause.

What are the Types/Subtypes Of Hypersomia?

Here comes the science-y part:

Idiopathic Hypersomnia

It’s also known as primary hypersommnia because this type of disorder has no known environmental factors contributing towards its presence over time. Which simply means they do not know why it occurs however it is thought to be due to irregularities present in GABA transmission pathways occurring between neurons located primarily throughout parts of thalamus.

Narcolepsy type 1

This particular hypersomnia is categorized by a combination of: excessive daytime sleepiness, rapid eye movements (REM) which are vivid dreaming episodes and Symptoms of cataplexy (sudden physical collapse caused by weakened muscles). This syndrome too has an unclear cause however it involves abnormalities with Orexin aka Hypocretin system within the brain.

Narcolepsy Type 2

Similar to Type 1 narcolepsy but without any reported symptoms relating to cataplexy present. REM episodes still happen though there is a shortage of pertaining proteins found relevant within cerebral spinal fluid.

Kleine-Levin Syndrome (KLS)

Rare condition alert!

Also known as Sleeping Beauty Syndrome according to #LHON19 At AAO, KLS affects mostly adolescents towards white males compared to other races or genders. It’s characterized by unusually long periods up to months in some patients whereby they will feel extreme drowsiness accompanied by increased appetite over time and moods that may seem offbeat.

Are There Any Treatments Available?

Before starting on anything, speaking with medical professionals such as neurologists about prescribed treatment options would be wise.
Here are possible remedies for individuals diagnosed:

  • Cognitive-behavioral Therapy (CBT) – focuses on methods involving structural scheduling needs assistive approaches affecting completion skills
    relating directly towards higher calorie burning ways like conducting brisk walks (#NIH)
  • Use Stimulants \ Antihypersomnia medications usually administered orally whereby their core mechanism revolves around increasing one’s wakefulness levels during the day ie making them more “awake” in short(#MerckManuals)
  • Other options depending on severity of individual’s symptoms may include modafinil, sodium oxybate and methylphenidate. (##Sodium Oxybate is strictly controlled since it’s a dangerous drug even when taken precisely according to instructions given (Wikipedia))

Going back quite a way, centuries ago people mostly turned towards caffeine for everything from headaches to drowsiness so you would think hypersomnia patients can rely on that too right?
Well something definitely felt off as I saw subtle hints on #Huffpost suggesting how while caffeine might provide temporary relief related to sleepiness present immediately afterwards – the effect wouldn’t last any longer than an hour.

Now let’s move onto some fun stuff 🙂

Can Hypnos Help Cure Hypersomia?

No, not hypnosis. Mythological characters like gods tend to have interesting names attached leading us unsuspecting souls into thinking their very exisitence could automatically solve our often external problems.
Kidding aside in this case Hypnos or better known by his latin name Somnus was “the personification of sleep”. Think about him representing your current state of being…beautiful isn’t it?

Though he doesn’t exist in real life but…

SomnusAid LLC does! This team has created a device specificially designed for individuals who suffer from various types explained above relating directly towards excessive daytime sleepiness or EDS.
How does it work? Wouldn’t you like to know 😉

Accordingly described at News Medical Life Science, the device apparently works by delivering low-level electrical stimulation to a targeted section of the wearer’s neck muscles upon detecting sensations relating towards excessive sleep disordered breathing.

It is stated that this method requires a direct link leading from one’s hypothalamus which comes directly from cervical structures. As explained in simpler terms, it appears to have an actual impact on reducing overactivity and increasing neurotransmitter activity.

Here top known neurologists speak out about their experiences with patients who use Somnusaid devices showing improved quality sleep attained allowing for smoother transitions throughout daily activities without any extreme drowsiness associated.

Even though this sounds promising, before making bold decisions purchasing items ranging up to $1300 it’s highly recommended that official medical diagnosis first be established besides solely relying on clear symptoms presented.

Final Thoughts

Hypersomnia may not affect very many people; still whenever someone goes through constant fatigue or lethargy they know how unpleasant life can tend to become especially within professional workspaces.

Although we’re unable to pinpoint every root cause contributing towards hypersomnia development as well as there being no standardized cure for all types present today – medical professionals continue searching tirelessly in order to identify appropriate methods that will definitely make individuals diagnosed live more fulfilling lives once again with energy levels capable of achieving desired tasks.

If anyone suspects they might suffer from Hypersomina do seek advice from trained professionals alongside sharing openly relevant information about what you go through regularly ensuring everyone’s utmost safety guaranteed.
As Snoopy put it: “Without my morning coffee I’m just like a dried-up piece of goat” . Stay awake folks 😉

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