This could explain why some people are always tired.
A relatively rare neurological disorder characterized by profound daytime tiredness and excessive sleep may be more prevalent than previously believed. Idiopathic hypersomnia (IH), a sleep disorder with an unknown cause, leads to intense sleepiness impacting normal functionality, similar to conditions like narcolepsy. Diagnosis is challenging, requiring significant symptoms for three months, and confirmation often involves specialized equipment and sleep studies.
Recent research from the American Academy of Neurology, published in the journal Neurology, suggests that IH might affect a larger segment of the population than previously estimated. The study, utilizing data from the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort, indicates a potential prevalence of 1.5% of the population experiencing IH. This percentage aligns with other neuropsychiatric conditions like bipolar disorder, epilepsy, and schizophrenia.
Dr. Clete Kushida, Division Chief and Medical Director of Stanford Sleep Medicine, acknowledged the study’s significance in revealing a potentially higher prevalence of IH. The study involved nearly 800 participants, with 12 identified as likely having IH, leading to the 1.5% prevalence estimate.
While experts generally agree that IH is under-recognized, some express caution about the high figure, suggesting the need for careful consideration of contributing factors. Dr. Mark Wu, a Professor of Neurology and Sleep Medicine at Johns Hopkins University, noted the challenges of distinguishing various factors influencing sleepiness.
The study employed methods such as in-laboratory sleep studies and questionnaires, including the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Participants likely to have IH were identified based on criteria like sleepiness, sleep duration, and time taken to fall asleep. Laboratory sleep studies and nap tests were also conducted.
IH differs from narcolepsy, another sleep disorder, as its cause remains unknown and may result from various factors. Notably, getting more sleep does not seem to alleviate IH symptoms. People with IH tend to sleep more than recommended, yet they experience persistent sleepiness and do not feel refreshed upon waking.
Understanding the prevalence of IH is crucial for recognizing and addressing this challenging neurological disorder. The study’s findings could contribute to improved awareness and potential treatment options for individuals experiencing debilitating daytime sleepiness.
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