It is healthy to sleep seven to nine hours every night. If you find you’re sleeping far longer than that, or you’re having trouble staying awake during the day, it could be a sign of a larger issue.
Hypersomnia is when you have recurrent episodes of excessive daytime sleepiness or prolonged nighttime sleep. This is not the same as being tired from a lack of sleep. Individuals with hypersomnia feel the need to nap throughout the day, often at inappropriate times. These naps, however, don’t ever provide relief from symptoms.
Hypersomnia could be a sign of certain medical conditions, including multiple sclerosis, depression, encephalitis, or epilepsy. Treatment may include a prescription for a stimulant drug, or behaviour changes. This could mean avoiding night shift work or staying out late, changing your diet, or avoiding caffeine and alcohol