Lesson 1: Clinical Disorders – Part D

PART D

Kleine-Levin Syndrome - An Uncommon Sleep Disorder

Kleine-Levin syndrome is a rare disorder that results in recurring episodes of excessive drowsiness and sleep (up to 20 hours per day). Symptoms that may last for days to weeks include an increase in appetite, irritability, confusion, lack of energy, and hypersensitivity to noise. Some people may experience hallucinations and have an unconstrained sex drive. Affected individuals function normally between occurrences, but brief periods of depression and amnesia may occur after an episode.

Periods of multiple weeks between episodes are common with the typical age of initial onset occurring between adolescence and late teen years. Fortunately, the symptoms of Kleine-Levin syndrome improve markedly or disappear completely over time. This sleep disorder is four times more common in males than in females, and symptoms may be related to malfunction of the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that governs appetite and sleep. The disorder appears to be benign (not harmful) and does not significantly impact psychological or physical functioning of afflicted individuals.