[DEFINITIONS AND EPIDEMIOLOGY OF EXCESSIVE SLEEPINESS]. / Définitions et épidémiologie de L'hypersomnolence. La plainte "somnolence excessive" concerne un quart de la population.

ABSTRACT

Excessive sleepiness or hypersomnolence is currently defined by two main symptoms 1) the excessive amount of sleep, defined as a prolonged period of main sleep or the presence of naps; and 2) poor quality of awakening. Excessive sleepiness was reported by 27.8%. The presence of recurrent periods of irresistible sleep in the same day was found in 13.2%, recurrent naps in the same day in 1.9%, non-restorative sleep despite a nighttime sleep of more than 9 hours (0.7%), as well as a sleep drunkenness (4.4%). Adding criteria for duration and frequency (minimum of 3 times per week and duration of at least 3 months), having social or professional impairment and psychological distress, and after excluding significant associated comorbidities, the prevalence fall to 1.5%. These very important prevalence hypersomnolence figures constitute an excellent argument to educate doctors and health authorities on the need to identify and support the excessive sleepiness disorders.