Obstructive sleep apnea is a breathing disorder, usually caused by partial blockage in the back of the throat. Some narcoleptics also experience strange hallucinations just before falling asleep and muscle paralysis upon awakening. Myoclonus refers to abnormal twitching of the calf muscles during sleep, and accounts for about 10 percent of hypersomnia cases. For example, sleepwalking may occur during a stage of deep sleep called delta sleep. A thorough exam by your general or family physician is the best place to begin.
Doctors often are able to diagnose the problem simply by taking a careful history.
In a few cases, an overnight test called a polysomnogram will be needed. This is a painless procedure that measures breathing, brain-wave activity and muscle movements. Different Treatments Treatment of sleep disorders depends on the specific diagnosis. Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea may involve weight loss, use of special breathing equipment at bedtime or minor surgery to correct obstruction of the upper airway. Narcolepsy sufferers must take medication.