Abstract
Hypersomnia, a disorder of sleep characterized by excessive quantity of sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), could adversely affect health outcomes in childhood. To highlight diagnostic challenges and the impact of childhood hypersomnia in a resource limited setting, a 14year old Nigerian who presented with a seven year history of hypersomnia was studied. Screening for sleep disorder using BEARS sleep algorithm and assessment for EDS using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale were both positivefor EDS. The assessment of sleep hygiene using the Adolescent Sleep Hygiene Scale was normal and the use of Raven’s Progressive Matrices to assess intelligence was also normal. There was no contributory pastmedical history or demonstrable etiology. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain, Electro Encephalogram (EEG), assay of serum electrolytes were all normal while screening test for trypanosomiasis was negative. Poor level of awareness, high cost of evaluation and limited facilities for diagnosis of sleep disorder were the major diagnostic challenges. Depression, poor academic performance, suicidal ideation andstigmatization were all associated with hypersomnia in the patient.Keywords: Hypersomnia, adolescence, depression, sleep disorders, diagnostic challenges
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
