Overview
Definition
Chronic sleep disorder causing overwhelming daytime drowsiness.
Epidemiology
Varies globally depending on genetics, environment, or exposure.
Etiology & Risk Factors
- Loss of orexin (hypocretin) producing neurons in the lateral hypothalamus.
Clinical Symptoms
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness with emotion)
- sleep paralysis
- hypnagogic hallucinations.
Clinical Approach
Diagnosis
- Polysomnography
- Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT).
Management
- Modafinil
- Amphetamines
- Sodium oxybate.
Complications
- Severe psychosocial impairment
- accidents.