What distinguishes Primary Hypersomnia from other sleep disorders?

Primary Hypersomnia is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness despite adequate or prolonged nighttime sleep. This condition can lead to significant difficulties in maintaining alertness throughout the day, impacting functional abilities and overall quality of life. Patients often experience prolonged sleep episodes and may find it challenging to feel refreshed after sleeping.

The distinction lies in the excessive sleepiness that is not solely linked to other conditions, such as insufficient sleep or sleep fragmentation, which might be the case in other sleep disorders. Unlike insomnia, which involves difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, Primary Hypersomnia is marked by the overwhelming urge to sleep and can occur even after 8 hours of sleep. Additionally, cognitive impairment is a potential consequence of excessive daytime sleepiness rather than a primary feature of the disorder itself. Sleepwalking is a disorder related to arousal during sleep and does not pertain to the excessive sleepiness that defines Primary Hypersomnia. Therefore, the defining feature of excessive sleepiness sets Primary Hypersomnia apart from these other sleep-related conditions.