Risk Factors
Understanding the risk factors associated with primary hypersomnia can be challenging due to the unknown causes of this condition. As a result, preventing or protecting against primary hypersomnia may not be feasible. However, certain risk factors, such as obesity, can contribute to the development of secondary hypersomnia. Kidney problems and the need for dialysis can also be responsible for the occurrence of hypersomnia. Furthermore, individuals who have had head or brain tumors or have experienced head trauma are more prone to developing hypersomnia. According to the American Sleep Association, it is worth noting that men are more likely than women to develop some form of hypersomnia.
Diagnosis
When it comes to diagnosing hypersomnia, healthcare professionals employ different approaches. One common method involves asking patients to maintain a sleep diary, which documents their sleep and wake times, allowing doctors to analyze sleep patterns. Alternatively, physicians may opt for a polysomnogram, where patients spend a night at a medical or sleep center while a machine monitors various bodily functions such as brain activity, heart rate, breathing function, oxygen levels, and eye movements. Additional tests that can be conducted include the subjective Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the multiple sleep latency test.