Hey parents, did you know that hypersomnia and sleep disorders impact millions of teens across Canada every year? Did you also know that your teenager could be at significant risk for hypersomnia based on a number of key factors? However, treatment for hypersomnia in teens is available.
The Hypersomnia Foundation explains that “hypersomnia” or “hypersomnolence” is a medical and psychologically-linked condition where the patient sleeps for excessive amounts of time during the day. Additionally, hypersomnia describes when patients have longer-than-normal daytime sleepiness and even some cases of narcolepsy.
However, even mild sleep disorders including hypersomnia could indicate other psychological concerns in your child. For example, hypersomnia in teens may also be an indicator of clinical depression, mood swings, and similar disorders. Treatment engages therapeutic support services that identify and treat the roots of hypersomnia and the presence of any underlying conditions.
So how can parents potentially flag possible signs of hypersomnia and where they can find treatment for their teenagers?
What are the Signs of Hypersomnia in Teens?
Hypersomnia is not the easiest to identify since many of the symptoms are identical to common tiredness. But parents can identify the condition based on a mix of clinical and psychological factors. Some of the major symptoms to look for include:
- Excessive sleep of 10 hours or more including daytime naps; sometimes sleep may exceed 16 hours a day for patients with hypersomnia
- Excessive daytime sleepiness or difficulty waking up even with loud alarms or other stimulating devices
- Sleep inertia or impaired state upon waking up such as confusion
- Cognitive dysfunction including memory difficulty, impaired concentration, trouble focusing, or erratic mood swings
If your teenager has one or more of these symptoms, they could have a case of hypersomnia. A few methods to reduce symptoms include creating consistent sleep schedules, limiting caffeinated beverages, and behavioural treatment therapies. Therapy and talking out their condition with a professional can illuminate the source of sleep issues. Additionally, family support can play a significant role in understanding the root cause of hypersomnia: whether it is a greater psychological or physical ailment.
Who Can Help Treat My Teen’s Hypersomnia?
A primary care provider or mental health counselor can usually perform treatment for common hypersomnia treatment in teenagers. A mix of clinical and behavioural treatment is usually the most effective way to address symptoms.
Clinical medications that can be prescribed to treat hypersomnia include:
- Prescribed stimulants including methylphenidates like Ritalin
- Antidepressants commonly used for behavioural and mental disorder treatment
- Sodium Oxybate and similar prescriptions used to treat sleep disorders such as narcolepsy
However, parents should understand that prescription treatment alone isn’t usually enough to treat hypersomnia. The best course of hypersomnia treatment includes behavioural intervention and counseling in coordination with prescription treatments.
Finding Hypersomnia Treatment
If your child is struggling with hypersomnia, then you may want to consider enrolling them in Venture Academy’s young adult treatment programs. Our team of counselors specialize in creating behavioural therapy solutions that leverage both clinical treatment options and mental health therapy.
All of our patients at Venture Academy receive customized hypersomnia treatment plans with immediate, responsive, and measurable treatment outcomes. If you’re interested or want more information, please contact us at 866.762.2211. Hypersomnia is a treatable and management condition that shouldn’t take control of your teen’s health. Learn the symptoms and get your child the treatment they deserve!
