Hypersomnolence Disorder is characterized by excessive sleepiness despite how many hours of sleep?

Hypersomnolence Disorder is characterized by excessive sleepiness that occurs despite obtaining an adequate amount of sleep, typically defined as at least 7 hours. Individuals with this disorder often find themselves excessively sleepy during the day, experiencing prolonged nighttime sleep, and having difficulty waking up in the morning. This excessive sleepiness is not attributable to other sleep disorders or medical conditions.

The specification of 7 hours is important because it indicates that even when individuals believe they are getting enough sleep, they still experience significant issues with daytime drowsiness. It’s crucial for the diagnosis to recognize that the sleep duration falls within what is generally considered adequate and that the disorder is more about the quality and experience of rest rather than outright sleep deprivation. This distinguishes Hypersomnolence Disorder from other sleep-related issues where insufficient sleep hours contribute directly to daytime impairment.