Self-diagnosis is the medicine most take daily for every health concern, from heartburn to body pain. In the realm of human wishful thinking where everyone is adamantly determined to remain optimistic, most of all in terms of their health, sometimes severe conditions are not only ignored but also misdiagnosed.They say you can have too much of a good thing, and sleep is no exception. Sleeping 20 hours a day can not be credited to some miraculous superpower or just days of hard work, because a trip to the hospital will diagnose it as Kleine-Levin Syndrome.
What is Kleine-Levin Syndrome?
Also known as Sleeping Beauty Syndrome, KLS is a rare sleep disorder affecting adolescents, especially males. It is a neurological syndrome that causes sufferers to sleep for extended periods ranging from 16 to 20 hours per day.KLS is a central disorder of hypersomnolence, meaning that it is not a consistent syndrome and rather has episodes of occurrence. Its episodes can appear and subside with most patients experiencing the disorder for 10 to 20 years.It is considered a very rare disease, possibly affecting one in a million. While the main cause of the syndrome remains unclear, illness or injury to the hypothalamus, can be one of the initiators, according to Cleveland Clinic. Most cases develop after an illness similar to the flu or infection.
However, it can also develop due to a genetic predisposition with a family history of the syndrome.
Symptoms of Kleine-Levin syndrome
As per the Kleine-Levin Syndrome Foundation, patients can display dire hunger, hallucination and unprecedented arousal during episodes. Some common symptoms of the condition include:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Increased appetite
- Weight gain
- Hallucination
- Behavioural changes
- Anxiety or depression
- Confusion or amnesia
How is Kleine-Levin syndrome treated?
Treatments for the syndrome include medication, therapy and lifestyle changes.
- Medications include lithium, IV steroids or stimulants that help reduce the frequency, length and severity of the episodes
- Therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other forms of talk therapy have also been helpful with the syndrome and in improving the quality of life of the patients.
- Establishing a stable sleep schedule, avoiding triggers and practising calming activities can also help avoid frequent episodes.
Life with Kleine-Levin syndrome
Living with Kleine-Levin syndrome is challenging as one loses a lot in life while struggling with the episodes and being on medication. However, with the right support from family and friends, and guidance from health experts, it can become just another hurdle you swiftly cross, whenever it arises.
