Hypersomnia is excessive sleepiness and is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) or prolonged night time sleep. It is different from feeling tired because of lack of sleep or interrupted sleep at night and people suffering from EDS are constrained to nap repeatedly during the day. They feel compelled to sleep at work, during a meal, or during a conversation and at inappropriate times. Persons who suffer from EDS have difficulty waking and are often disoriented when they wake up. It mostly starts affecting people before 25 years of age, and the onset is subtle and one is not aware of it in the beginning. The disorder may prevail up to six months.
Symptoms and Causes:People suffering from Hypersomnia may exhibit symptoms such as anxiety, decreased energy, restlessness, increased irritation, slow thinking, slow speech, hallucinations, loss of appetite, and difficulty in remembering. They may lose the ability to function in family, social or occupational settings. Hypersomnia could be caused by brain damage, clinical depression, sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea or periodic limb movement syndrome, or it may be the effect of certain medications or withdrawal from some medication or abuse of drugs or alcohol. No proper predisposition has been identified as the reason for hypersomnia.
RemediesThough there is no specific treatment for hypersomnia, the treatment includes changes in behavioral patterns, taking stimulants to help you stay alert, and good sleep hygiene. To keep alert during the day drink some honey with hot water. Try to perform some activity that will keep you awake. Try taking a walk around the block, read something, or just relax. Try to avoid anxious and depressive thoughts. At times depression and anxiety will give the desire to sleep. Sleep well during the night and exercise every morning to keep your body fit and energetic.
If you are overweight make sure that you lose weight as excess weight can set off excessive sleepiness. Eat foods that will trigger activeness in you. Avoid oily and fatty foods as they tend to put you to sleep. Foods high in L-tryptophan like milk, yogurt and other dairy products can make you sleepy. Try to avoid alcohol and caffeine at bed time as it makes you active and causes sleeplessness. Avoid refined sugars. Try to take short naps lasting no longer than 45 minutes. Try to avoid shift work. Eat light and small meals throughout the day.
Include foods that pep up energy like blueberries, strawberries, spinach, salmon, tea, tomatoes, citrus fruits, and pepper.
answered by G M