Hypersomnolence Disorder

DEFINITION

• Hypersomnolence disorder is characterized by repeated excessive sleepiness not attributable to another sleep disorder.
  • In other words, repeated excessive sleepiness despite getting at least seven hours of sleep.
  • Hypersomnolence of central origin signifies an inability to remain awake/alert during periods of wakefulness leading to an irrepressible need to sleep or lapses into sleep during the daytime.[1]
• Individuals with hypersomnolence and cataplexy are diagnosed with narcolepsy, as are hypersomnolent patients with specific sleep testing results.
• Hypersomnolence disorder is considered a sleep-wake disorder in DSM-5[2].