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Idiopathic hypersomnia

• Overview

Definition:

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).

Alternative Names:

Hypersomnia - idiopathic

• Review Date: 8/3/2007
• Reviewed 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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