Education

Idiopathic Hypersomnia | Intrepid Research

Idiopathic Hypersomnia

Hypersomnia is a chronic debilitating neurological disorder characterized by the hallmark symptom of EDS despite normal or prolonged sleep times for age. Many IH patients find naps to be unrefreshing with little benefit from prescribed or scheduled naps as part of IH management. There is currently no cure for IH and only one medication FDA-approved for patients with IH.

Shiftwork Disorder | Intrepid Research

Shiftwork Disorder

Shiftwork disorder affects those who work outside of the “normal” 9am-5pm. About 10-30% of people who work non-traditional shifts are affected. Shiftwork disorder is the mismatch between the body's internal clock and the required nighttime work schedule can result in a circadian rhythm misalignment, which causes excessive sleepiness, insomnia, impaired functioning, and mood changes. Currently there is no cure for Shiftwork Disorder.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea | Intrepid Research

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder where breathing is constantly interrupted throughout the night. There is a breathing pause that lasts about 10 seconds where the muscles in the back of the throat can't keep the airway open. This can happen very frequently throughout the night, which prevents the person getting the deep sleep needed to feel restful the next day. This can cause difficulty concentrating, depression, irritability, falling asleep throughout the day, and learning and memory problems. 

Narcolepsy | Intrepid Research

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder caused by the brain’s inability to regulate sleep-wake cycles normally. This causes severe daytime sleepiness and it can happen randomly at any time and place. The sleep attacks can also happen multiple times a day, with or without warning. Those with narcolepsy sleep a normal amount but cannot control the timing of their sleep. The first symptom that appears is excessive daytime sleepiness. This can occur even after a full night's test and happen throughout the day. Cataplexy is also a symptom of narcolepsy, which is the sudden loss of muscle tone. Some other symptoms are sleep paralysis, Hypnagogic hallucinations, disturbed nocturnal sleep.