Hypersomnia and Narcolepsy

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to hypersomnia, narcolepsy, and their subtypes, focusing on definitions, clinical features, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options.

Hypersomnia

A condition characterized by excessive sleepiness during the day, regardless of the amount of sleep obtained at night.

Hypersomnolence

A term referring to symptoms of long sleep or excessive daytime sleepiness.

Narcolepsy

A chronic neurological sleep disorder affecting the regulation of the sleep–wake cycle, characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and unstable transitions between sleep and wake.

Cataplexy

Brief, sudden episodes of muscle weakness or paralysis often triggered by strong positive emotions.

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS)

The primary symptom of narcolepsy, leading to severe drowsiness and sudden sleep attacks.

Idiopathic Hypersomnia

A rare central nervous system hypersomnolence disorder characterized clinically by excessive daytime sleepiness often associated with long, unrefreshing naps.

Kleine-Levin Syndrome

A rare neurological disorder characterized by recurring episodes of excessive sleep, behavioral changes, and cognitive disturbances.

Sleep-onset REM Periods (SOREMPs)

REM sleep periods that occur within 15 minutes of sleep onset, typically observed in narcolepsy.

Orexin/Hypocretin

Neurotransmitters that promote wakefulness, with a loss linked to narcolepsy.

Diagnostic Criteria for Narcolepsy Type 1

Includes daily periods of irrepressible need to sleep, presence of cataplexy, and specific findings in sleep studies.

Narcolepsy Type 2

Similar to Type 1 but without cataplexy and with normal or unknown hypocretin levels.

Prevalence of Narcolepsy

Affects approximately 1 in 2,000 people in the U.S. and is more common in Japan due to genetic susceptibility.

Hypnagogic Hallucinations

Vivid, dream-like imagery during sleep onset, often occurring with sleep paralysis.

Sleep Hygiene

Practices that promote regular sleep, including consistent schedules and a conducive sleep environment.

Stimulants for Narcolepsy

Medications like Modafinil or armodafinil typically prescribed to manage symptoms.

Autoimmune Process in Narcolepsy

An immune-triggered neurodegenerative disorder targeting orexin neurons that may be triggered by infection.