In addition, problems such as small jaws or enlarged tonsils also can contribute to sleep apnea and may require surgery to open up the airway. Narcolepsy is usually treated with medication to improve alertness. Treatment for hypersomnia may include good sleep hygiene and taking stimulants for alertness, limiting naps and avoiding shift work, caffeine and alcohol. Sleepwalkers need to get plenty of rest, develop a calm bedtime ritual and remove harmful items from the bedrooms. Hypnosis can be helpful, as well as an accurate psychiatric evaluation.
Medications also can help.
Research A national study underway is looking for a link between obstructive sleep apnea and an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. So far the study has initially shown the possibility of a link between obstructive sleep apnea and high blood pressure. Narcolepsy research involves searching for a gene that may be an indicator of the condition. There is a suspicion that certain cells in the hypothalmus in the brain may be killed off in people with narcolepsy. The latest research for insomnia involves non-drug treatments, such as behavioral intervention that appears to be as successful as drugs.