Sleep Apnea Treatment Without CPAP | Online Sleep Doctor India

Hypersomnia (excessive sleep): Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, Narcolepsy

Hypersomnia refers to a condition where a person feels excessively sleepy during the day, even after getting adequate or prolonged night sleep. It can be primary like narcolepsy or secondary due to other conditions like sleep apnoea, medications etc.

Types of Hypersomnia:

1. Obstructive sleep Apnoea – OSA is a sleep disorder where the upper airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, causing pauses in breathing and poor sleep quality, leading to daytime sleepiness.

Causes

Obesity
Large tonsils or tongue
Narrow throat or jaw structure
Nasal blockage
Alcohol/sedative use

Symptoms

Loud snoring
Pauses in breathing during sleep
Gasping or choking at night
Morning headaches
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Poor concentration or memory

Diagnosis

Polysomnography (sleep study) – It confirms the number of apnoea episodes.
Home sleep apnea tests (in milder cases).

Treatment

CPAP machine (continuous positive airway pressure)
Weight loss
Avoid alcohol, sedatives
Surgery
Oral appliances

2. Narcolepsy – It is a neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to control sleep – wake cycles, causing sudden and uncontrollable sleep attacks during the day.

Causes

Autoimmune destruction of hypocretin – producing brain cells.
Genetic predisposition
Rarely post – infection or brain injury

Symptoms

Excessive daytime sleepiness
Cataplexy – sudden muscle weakness triggered by emotions
Sleep paralysis
Hypnagogic hallucinations
Fragmented night sleep

Diagnosis

Polysomnography + MSLT
CSF hypocretin test

Treatment

Stimulants (modafinil, armodafinil) for daytime alertness.
Sodium oxybate for cataplexy and night sleep
Scheduled naps
Avoid heavy meals and alcohol

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it normal to feel sleepy even after 8 hours of sleep?

No, persistent daytime sleepiness may indicate OSA, narcolepsy or other hypersomnia conditions.

2. Can sleep apnoea be cured?

In many cases, lifestyle changes or CPAP therapy can effectively manage or even reverse symptoms.

3. Can narcolepsy be outgrown?

Narcolepsy is usually lifelong, but with proper treatment, symptoms can be well – controlled.

4. Is snoring always a sign of sleep apnoea?

No, not always. But loud snoring with pauses in breathing should be evaluated as sleep apnoea.