Sleep Disorders and Hypersomnia Treatment

Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD on November 15, 2022
1 min read

Treatment for hypersomnia -- excessive daytime sleepiness -- depends on the cause of the sleep disorder. For example, if you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor may prescribe a treatment known as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to use when sleeping. With CPAP, you wear a mask over your nose that is hooked up to a machine that delivers a continuous flow of air into the nostrils. The pressure from air flowing into the nostrils helps keep the airways open.

If you are taking a medication that causes drowsiness, your doctor may suggest trying another drug instead. They may also suggest certain lifestyle modifications, such as going to bed earlier to try to get more sleep at night, and eliminating alcohol and caffeine consumption.

Your doctor can also prescribe various drugs to treat hypersomnia. These may include: