Sleep Studies: How Hypersomnia and Sleep Apnea Are Related

Sleeping is an activity that many people enjoy. After all, there’s nothing better than not worrying about anything else and getting a good night’s rest. Unfortunately, not everyone has the luxury of getting quality sleep because some people can develop certain sleep conditions. One perfect example of this is hypersomnia.

Hypersomnia is a sleep condition where a person can still feel sleepy despite getting complete sleep. Additionally, a person who has hypersomnia doesn’t feel refreshed after sleeping, making it difficult to function properly during the day. It’s also tied to sleep apnea, a condition where a person can have pauses while breathing while they’re asleep. When hypersomnia and sleep apnea are present, it can lead to more severe conditions. Not many people are aware of how hypersomnia and sleep apnea are related, so we’ll discuss the details in this article.

What Causes Hypersomnia?

Many things can cause hypersomnia, such as:

Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation can result after a person doesn’t get enough sleep. It can cause them to feel like they’re still tired and not want to do anything. Additionally, sleep-deprived people also usually have a difficult time concentrating.

Obesity

Having a lot of extra weight results in a person being unable to breathe properly. This can cause them to breathe very hard when they sleep, resulting in them having pauses in their breathing.

Genetics

Some people are born with a genetic predisposition for developing sleep disorders, including hypersomnia. It’s why some people can have severe sleep disorders when they’re young, while others don’t develop them until they’re older.

Neurological Diseases

In some cases, neurological diseases such as strokes or multiple sclerosis can cause a person to have hypersomnia. This can result from damage occurring to the body’s nervous system.

Medication or Medication Withdrawal

Many types of medications can lead to hypersomnia. For example, antidepressants can be a culprit. However, it’s also possible for a person withdrawing from drugs to develop sleep apnea or hypersomnia.

How Hypersomnia and Sleep Apnea Are Related

Hypersomnia and sleep apnea are related because the latter can be a direct course of the former. When a person isn’t getting enough sleep due to several factors, they can develop sleep apnea. However, not everyone who has sleep apnea will experience hypersomnia. Some may just feel tired during the day and not have any other symptoms.

Hypersomnia and sleep apnea are related because if a person has both of them, they’re at higher risk of developing other medical conditions. For example, people with sleep apnea and hypersomnia often have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular diseases. Frequently, they also have higher chances of developing diabetes, panic disorders, and other psychological disorders.

Treating Hypersomnia

There are quite a number of treatments for hypersomnia, but determining the right one involves comprehensive testing at a sleep clinic first. After that, there will be an important discussion with your doctor about your options. Depending on your case, you may need to make some lifestyle changes or buy specialized equipment. 

One common route is the purchase of a CPAP machine. Another is through the use of SomnoMed Oral Devices.

The Importance of Sleep Testing

If you see signs that you have hypersomnia or sleep apnea but want to make sure, sleep testing can help you get the answers you need. You can take several different sleep tests, including a polysomnogram, overnight sleep test, and home sleep apnea test. However, you should consult a sleep specialist first to ensure that everything will be accurate.

Conclusion

Both hypersomnia and sleep apnea are common sleep conditions that many people don’t know about. People with both conditions are often at risk of developing other medical conditions that can be devastating. As a result, it’s essential for people to know about these conditions and treat them accordingly.

If you’re looking for a sleep clinic in Lethbridge, Lethbridge Snoring & Sleep Apnea Clinic is for you! We know that different people have different sleeping needs, so we develop solutions to ensure that you get the best quality sleep to feel healthier. Simply go to our website to book an appointment!