Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 31, 2026
05:59
Author Spotlight: Overcoming Challenges in Drosophila Sleep Measurement Using DAM System
Published on: October 20, 2023
3.3K
Recurrent hypersomnia: Report of medication-responsive cases
Bruna V Perin1, Iorrana Rodrigues1, Franciele T B Giasson1
1Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Passo Fundo (UPF), R. Teixeira Soares 817, Centro, CEP, 99010-080 Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil.
Sleep Science (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
|October 21, 2015
Summary
Recurrent hypersomnia (RH), a rare sleep disorder, showed medication responsiveness in two pediatric cases resembling Kleine-Levin syndrome (KLS). Carbamazepine and risperidone effectively normalized sleep patterns, offering therapeutic insights.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Recurrent hypersomnia (RH) is a rare neurological disorder with no established treatments.
- Kleine-Levin syndrome (KLS) is a rare condition characterized by recurrent episodes of hypersomnia and cognitive/behavioral disturbances.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases (10-year-old girl, 14-year-old boy) presented with episodic hypersomnia lasting 3-9 days every 2-3 weeks.
- Standard examinations (physical, brain imaging, blood tests) were normal.
- Polysomnography showed disrupted sleep architecture, and Multiple Sleep Latency Tests (MSLTs) indicated excessive daytime sleepiness with 2-3 Sleep Onset REM Periods (SOREMPs).
Findings:
- Carbamazepine successfully normalized sleep in the female patient.
- Risperidone normalized sleep cycles in the male patient.
- Both medications demonstrated efficacy in managing RH symptoms in these KLS-like cases.
Implications:
- Case reports of medication-responsive RH are crucial in the absence of clinical trials.
- These findings suggest potential therapeutic options for RH and KLS.
- Further research into pharmacotherapy for RH is warranted based on these positive outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Management of Insomnia
778
The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...
778
01:07Narcolepsy
772
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
772
01:17Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
849
Sedatives and hypnotics encompass a wide range of substances, each with its unique mechanism of action, uses, and potential adverse effects.
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
849
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
3.3K
Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
3.3K
01:27Insomnia
588
Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and waking up too early without being able to return to sleep. People with insomnia often experience these disruptions at least three nights a week for at least one month. Chronic insomnia, which lasts for at least three months, can lead to increased anxiety, which in turn can worsen sleep difficulties, creating a cycle of sleeplessness and stress.
Multiple factors contribute...
Multiple factors contribute...
588
01:23Sedatives and Hypnotics: Overview
2.0K
Sedatives are drugs that alleviate anxiety, while hypnotics induce sleep. Both classes of medication suppress neuronal activity, leading to a calming effect for sedatives and facilitating sleep for hypnotics.
Sedative-hypnotics are categorized into barbiturates, benzodiazepines (BZDs), and non-benzodiazepines or Z-drugs. These drugs work by suppressing central nervous system activity, and this suppression is dose-dependent. Older sedative medications, like barbiturates, follow a linear curve in...
Sedative-hypnotics are categorized into barbiturates, benzodiazepines (BZDs), and non-benzodiazepines or Z-drugs. These drugs work by suppressing central nervous system activity, and this suppression is dose-dependent. Older sedative medications, like barbiturates, follow a linear curve in...
2.0K