- published: 21 Nov 2012
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In the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published in May 2013, hypersomnia appears under sleep-wake disorders as hypersomnolence, of which there are several subtypes.
The main symptom of hypersomnia is excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), or prolonged nighttime sleep, which has occurred for at least 3 months prior to diagnosis.
Hypersomnia affects approximately 5% of the general population, "with a higher prevalence for men due to the sleep apnea syndromes."
"The severity of daytime sleepiness needs to be quantified by subjective scales (at least the Epworth Sleepiness Scale) and objective tests such as the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT)." The Stanford sleepiness scale (SSS) is another frequently-used subjective measurement of sleepiness. After it is determined that EDS is present, a complete medical examination and full evaluation of potential disorders in the differential diagnosis (which can be tedious, expensive and time-consuming) should be undertaken.