A COMPARISON OF IDIOPATHIC HYPERSOMNIA AND NARCOLEPSY-CATAPLEXY USINGSELF-REPORT MEASURES AND SLEEP DIARY DATA

Eighteen patients with idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) were compared with 50 patients with the narcoleptic syndrome of cataplexy and daytime sle epiness (NLS) using self report questionnaires and a diary of sleep/wa ke patterns. The IH group reported more consolidated nocturnal sleep, a lower propensity to nap, greater refreshment after naps, and a great er improvement in excessive daytime sleepiness since onset than the NL S group. In IH, the onset of excessive daytime sleepiness was predomin antly associated with familial inheritance or a viral illness. Two var iables-number of reported awakenings during nocturnal sleep and the re ported change in sleepiness since onset-provided maximum discriminatio n between the IH and NLS groups. Confusional arousals, extended nap or nocturnal sleep, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, low ratings of medication effectiveness, or side effects of medication were not asso ciated differentially with either IH or NLS.