Alester Brown

Narcolepsy vs. Hypersomnia

Do you find yourself constantly battling low energy levels? Maybe you have to take frequent naps throughout the day or fight off feelings of sleepiness despite getting a whole night of rest. If so, you might be dealing with one of two sleep-related disorders: narcolepsy and hypersomnia.

These two conditions can have a debilitating effect on one's life, and getting help for hypersomnia or narcolepsy is a must. While these two conditions are similar, they are distinct issues with unique treatment approaches. Say goodbye to excessive sleepiness and regain control of your life with the right help for hypersomnia.

What is Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that causes you to experience sudden episodes of extreme sleepiness. It doesn't matter how well you slept the night before. When narcolepsy hits, you can't help but fall into a deep sleep. It can occur at any time, making the condition particularly dangerous.

Individuals living with narcolepsy often deal with sleep paralysis, hallucinations, sudden loss of muscle control, fainting, and more. There are two types of narcolepsy, but both can make living a normal life challenging.

Scientists still don't know the exact cause of narcolepsy, but there are many theories. The most common way to treat it is with FDA-approved medications.

What is Hypersomnia?

Hypersomnia is different from narcolepsy. Instead of sudden bouts of overwhelming tiredness, people with hypersomnia experience excessive daytime sleepiness. With hypersomnia, you might feel tired throughout the day, forcing you to take frequent naps. Even if you sleep well the night before, these conditions make it difficult to stay awake during daylight hours.

When you get help for hypersomnia, you must first determine which type you have.

Primary hypersomnia is when an underlying health condition affects your normal sleep cycle. Here's where narcolepsy and hypersomnia overlap. Many people with narcolepsy will also have hypersomnia, creating confusion about what to treat.

Secondary hypersomnia is when something else causes that tiredness. It could be a type of medication you're taking, an injury, or another health issue. One of the most common culprits for hypersomnia is sleep apnoea. While you don't realize it, sleep apnoea prevents you from reaching a state of deep sleep, resulting in excessive tiredness.

Author Resource:-

Alester Brown writes about mental and physical health. She advises people on Paediatrician & online Psychiatrist consultation. You can find her thoughts at mental health therapy blog.