SomnusNooze e-newsletter
News, stories and updates from the world of sleep
SomnusNooze Author: Evan Desmarais
Diagnosing Hypersomnias: The Blood Hypocretin Mystery
The current gold standard diagnostic test to differentiate narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) from other hypersomnias is to measure the level of hypocretin in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The procedure to take a sample of CSF, called a spinal tap, is uncomfortable... read >
What Is Sleep Hygiene, Anyway?
Sleep hygiene—everybody, including both patients and healthcare providers, has heard that if these rules are followed, sleep will be improved. Right? What exactly are the official rules, and what’s not included? Should people who have IH or a related... read >
Diagnosing Hypersomnias Differently—A European Proposal
Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to diagnose hypersomnias? Maybe you’ve wondered if a narcolepsy type 2 diagnosis is actually idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) or vice-versa? Have you questioned whether the diagnosis is IH “with long sleep time”... read >
Free Access to the Idiopathic Hypersomnia Severity Scale
Take or administer this questionnaire now! The Idiopathic Hypersomnia Severity Scale (IHSS) is designed to help healthcare providers, researchers, and people who have IH monitor the severity of the spectrum of IH symptoms over time, including their... read >
Updated and Expanded Treatment Web Page
Do you have idiopathic hypersomnia or a related sleep disorder, or do you treat patients with hypersomnias? If so, then check out our newly updated Treatment web page. Our Medical Advisory Board has just completed a full review and update, including... read >
Make an Emergency Anesthesia/Hospitalization Plan Now!
Do you have idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) or a related sleep disorder or do you treat patients with hypersomnias? If so, then it’s very important to prepare in advance for anesthesia, hospitalization, and emergencies. People who have IH may face a unique... read >
Sleep/Wake Cyclers Raise Over $16K for Research!
The 2021 Sleep/Wake Cyclers was the first grassroots fundraising campaign sponsored by the Hypersomnia Foundation designed specifically to raise money for research. Interest in conducting research into the causes of idiopathic hypersomnia and narcolepsy... read >
Anxiety, Depression, and Function in Individuals With Chronic Physical Conditions: A Longitudinal Analysis
Separately identifying and treating anxiety can be helpful for people who have chronic conditions. This is one of the main conclusions of a refereed journal article, which we’ve summarized at the request of the HF Patient Advisory and Advocacy Council... read >
Announcing Two New Web Pages—From Parenthood to Birth Control and More!
Are you a parent who has IH or narcolepsy, or are you thinking of becoming one? Do your hypersomnia medications interact with your hormonal birth control or hormone replacement therapy? Are you a healthcare provider caring for people with hypersomnias? If... read >
Announcing New Web Pages on Disability and Health & Prescription Medicine Insurance
Insurance coverage is a major concern for people with chronic disease. Will health insurance appropriately cover doctor appointments, tests and treatments? If insurance doesn’t cover certain prescription medications, how can they be accessed for the... read >