0 a sleep disorder in which someone sleeps for very long periods and is always very tired during the day --
Often it's the result of sleep deprivation, mental fatigue, depression, sleep apnea, hypoxia, narcolepsy, or idiopathic hypersomnia.
Idiopathic hypersomnia has long been considered a rare disease and was believed to be 10 times less frequent than narcolepsy.
Patients with idiopathic hypersomnia display these symptoms continually for months or years.
Behaviorally induced insufficient sleep syndrome must also be considered in the differential diagnosis of secondary hypersomnia.
However, more than one type of hypersomnia can coexist in a single patient.
Many medications can also lead to secondary hypersomnia.
Sleep apnea is the most frequent cause of secondary hypersomnia, affecting up to 4% of middle-aged adults, mostly men.
However, current research is raising the possibility of several other potential medication options for idiopathic hypersomnia.
