Intrinsic sleep disorders: Idiopathic central nervous system hypersomnia

Idiopathic central nervous system hypersomnia is characterized by prolonged periods of recurrent sleepiness that cannot be attributed to other sleep disorders.31 These individuals have prolonged sleep periods, prolonged daytime naps, excessive daytime sleepiness, and difficulty waking. They may be very challenging to awaken and have aggressive and automatic behavior on awakening.

These patients need to be evaluated for other possible sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy, periodic limb movements, or sleep-related respiratory disturbances. Some patients may need repeated evaluations to delineate the underlying disorder.

Adapted from: Malow, BA, and Vaughn BV. Sleep disorders and epilepsy. In: Ettinger AB and Devinsky O, eds. Managing epilepsy and co-existing disorders. Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann; 2002;255–267.
With permission from Elsevier (www.elsevier.com).
Reviewed and revised April 2004 by Steven C. Schachter, MD, epilepsy.com Editorial Board.