Hyperactivity in patients with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia: an exploratory study
Caroline Dodson1, Karen Spruyt2, Ciaran Considine3
1University of Miami - Miller School of Medicine.
Sleep Science and Practice
|September 13, 2023
Summary
Patients with excessive daytime somnolence (EDS) show inattention and a greater need to move, similar to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, objective measures did not confirm hyperactivity, suggesting a potential link to the inattentive subtype of ADHD.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Excessive daytime somnolence (EDS) in Idiopathic Hypersomnia and Narcolepsy can mimic Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms like inattention.
- Both ADHD and sleep disorders share features such as inattention and daytime drowsiness.
- The relationship between EDS and hyperactivity in these sleep disorders remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether patients with EDS due to Idiopathic Hypersomnia or Narcolepsy exhibit increased movement (hyperactivity) compared to controls.
- To differentiate the presentation of EDS from ADHD, particularly concerning hyperactive symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Study included 12 patients with EDS (Narcolepsy type 2 or Idiopathic Hypersomnia) confirmed by Multiple Sleep Latency Test and 12 healthy controls.
- Participants underwent a one-hour session involving the Suggested Immobilization Test (SIT) and actigraphy to measure movement.
- Self-report scales, including the ADHD Self-Report Scale, assessed symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity.
Main Results:
- Patients with EDS reported higher levels of inattention and hyperactivity symptoms on self-report scales.
- A significant trend for increased need to move was observed in EDS patients during the SIT (Cohen's d = 0.61, p=0.01).
- Objective actigraphy did not reveal significant differences in movement between EDS patients and controls.
Conclusions:
- While EDS patients exhibit increased subjective need to move and inattention, objective measures do not confirm hyperactivity.
- Narcolepsy and Idiopathic Hypersomnia might represent a model for the inattentive subtype of ADHD.
- Further research is necessary to fully understand the link between EDS and hyperactivity.
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