MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Idiopathic hypersomnia

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Idiopathic hypersomnia

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Illustrations Alternative Names	Definition

Illustrations

Sleep patterns in the young and aged

Alternative Names Return to top

Hypersomnia - idiopathic

Definition Return to top

Idiopathic hypersomnia is excessive sleeping (hypersomnia) without obvious cause. It is different from narcolepsy in that idiopathic hypersomnia does not involve suddenly falling asleep or losing muscle control associated with strong emotions (cataplexy).

Update Date: 8/3/2007

Updated by: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Veteran Affairs, VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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