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Sleep patterns in the young and aged
Sleep patterns in the young and aged


Idiopathic hypersomnia

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: 8/10/2005
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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