Condition We Treat

Hypersomnia Treatment in Austin & San Antonio

Excessive daytime sleepiness even after a full night's rest — with an overwhelming urge to nap and persistent difficulty staying alert. Unlike narcolepsy, hypersomnia usually doesn't involve sudden sleep attacks, but it can profoundly affect your work, safety, and quality of life.

Understanding hypersomnia

Hypersomnia is more than ordinary tiredness. People living with it sleep for long stretches at night yet still feel drowsy throughout the day, struggling to wake up and battling a constant pull toward sleep. Naps rarely bring relief, and the resulting brain fog can make concentration, memory, and everyday tasks feel exhausting.

The condition may stem from another sleep disorder, a medical or psychiatric issue, or a medication side effect — and in some cases it arises with no identifiable cause (idiopathic hypersomnia). Pinpointing the source is the first step toward effective treatment, and our specialists conduct a thorough evaluation to find the answers behind your sleepiness so you can finally feel rested and clear-headed again.

  • Persistent sleepiness despite adequate or long nighttime sleep
  • Does not typically involve the sudden sleep attacks of narcolepsy
  • Often linked to another underlying sleep or medical condition
  • Diagnosed with polysomnography and the Multiple Sleep Latency Test
  • Highly manageable with the right combination of therapies
Symptoms

Signs of hypersomnia

Persistent daytime drowsiness despite long sleep Difficulty waking (sleep inertia) Frequent naps that don't relieve sleepiness Difficulty concentrating / brain fog
Causes

What causes hypersomnia?

Other sleep disorders

Conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea and narcolepsy fragment your sleep or disrupt its architecture, leaving you excessively sleepy during the day even when you've spent enough hours in bed.

Medications

Sedatives, antihistamines, and certain other drugs can cause pronounced drowsiness as a side effect, contributing to hypersomnia in susceptible individuals.

Psychiatric conditions

Major depressive disorder and related mood disorders are commonly associated with excessive sleep and daytime fatigue, making mental health an important part of the evaluation.

Medical & neurological factors

Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease, along with obesity, can drive excessive sleepiness. In idiopathic hypersomnia, no clear cause is found despite thorough testing.

Diagnosis & Treatment

How we diagnose and treat hypersomnia

Sleep studies

We confirm the diagnosis with overnight polysomnography to rule out other disorders, followed by the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) — a daytime nap study that objectively measures how quickly you fall asleep.

Stimulant medications

Wake-promoting and stimulant medications can help you stay alert during the day. We tailor the choice and dose to your needs and monitor your response closely over time.

Treating the root cause

When hypersomnia stems from another condition — such as sleep apnea, depression, or a medication side effect — treating that underlying issue is often the most effective path to lasting improvement.

Lifestyle measures

Strong sleep hygiene, regular exercise, and dietary changes support better daytime alertness and complement medical therapy, helping you build steady, sustainable energy.

Regain your daytime energy

If unrelenting sleepiness is holding you back, our specialists can find the cause and build a plan to help you feel awake and clear again. Take the first step toward brighter, more energized days.