Sleep disorders such as hypersomnia can have a dramatic effect on a teenager’s life. Teens who suffer from hypersomnia may experience excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and a decrease in their overall quality of life. With the right treatment and lifestyle changes, however, teens can learn to manage their hypersomnia so they can better focus on their academic, social, and emotional development.
To learn more about the therapeutic support services Venture Academy offers to teens in Canada struggling with hypersomnia and other behavioural disorders, call 866.762.2211 today. We can help.
Understanding Hypersomnia
Hypersomnia is a sleep disorder characterised by excessive amounts of daytime sleeping and difficulty waking up in the morning. This condition can be caused by underlying medical or psychiatric conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and narcolepsy. People with hypersomnia may also experience other symptoms, such as fatigue and memory problems. Treatment for hypersomnia typically involves lifestyle changes, medications, or both. These changes can include improving sleep hygiene habits, avoiding stimulants like caffeine late in the day, creating a regular sleep schedule, and exercising regularly.
For some people with severe cases of hypersomnia, medications such as antidepressants or stimulants may be prescribed to help manage the condition. It’s important to seek professional help if you think your teen has hypersomnia since it can interfere with their ability to function during the day and lead to other health issues. With proper treatment, many people are able to find relief from their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
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 the following:
- 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 discussing 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.
What Is Hypersomnia Treatment?
Due to the complexity of hypersomnia, it is crucial to visit a sleep specialist for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. The sleep specialist will perform tests to rule out other underlying medical conditions that can be causing excessive daytime sleepiness and discuss lifestyle modification strategies. They may also recommend certain medications or devices that can help reduce symptoms. With the right treatment, most people with hypersomnia are able to lead normal lives without feeling overly fatigued throughout the day.
The treatment for hypersomnia varies depending on the underlying cause but typically involves lifestyle modifications and medication. Some of the recommended lifestyle modifications include getting regular exercise, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, establishing a consistent sleep schedule, and avoiding naps during the day. Additionally, certain medications, such as stimulants or antidepressants, may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of hypersomnia. In severe cases where other treatments are ineffective, surgically implanted devices that stimulate the brain can also be used to reduce excessive daytime sleepiness. It is important to speak with your doctor if you think your teen may have hypersomnia to create an appropriate treatment plan.
The Benefits of Getting Help for Teen Hypersomnia
The benefits of getting professional help and treatment for teen hypersomnia include the following:
- Healthier sleep schedule
- Better quality of sleep
- Increased energy levels
- More alertness during the day
- Improved mood
- Reduced risk for physical and mental health issues
- Better academic performance
- Improved overall quality of life
These are just a few of the benefits that teens with hypersomnia can experience when they get professional help. With intervention, teens can finally get the restorative and quality sleep they need to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
Discover Teen Hypersomnia Treatment at Venture Academy
Teenagers with hypersomnia can often feel like they’re struggling to keep up with the world around them. Even when they’re getting adequate rest, they can still feel exhausted and unable to focus on activities or studies. If your teen is struggling with hypersomnia, it’s important to seek professional help. With the proper diagnosis and treatment plan, they can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Call Venture Academy today at 866.762.2211 to learn more about how we effectively treat hypersomnia in teens. You can also reach us via our online contact form.
