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Idiopathic hypersomnia - Overview

Alternative Names

Hypersomnia - idiopathic

Definition of Idiopathic hypersomnia:

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).

  • Reviewed last on: 8/3/2007
  • 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.