Hypersomnia: diagnosis, classification and treatment

Abstract

Hypersomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness is common in neurological practice and may have different etiologies. Hypersomnia may be defined as sleepiness at an inappropriate time or in an inappropriate situation. It is important to consider that hypersomnia is at times referred to as tiredness or fatigue. A detailed clinical history is essential to reach an accurate diagnosis. A correct diagnosis is necessary to initiate the appropriate treatment considering the negative social and occupational consequences of hypersomnia. Excessive daytime sleepiness syndromes include primary sleep disorders like narcolepsy and hypersomnia secondary to several neurological and psychiatric disorders and also as an adverse effect of numerous drugs.