Are Narcolepsy & Idiopathic Hypersomnia the same thing?
No. While the symptoms of excessive sleepiness are similar, Idiopathic Hypersomnia is only diagnosed once other explanations for sleepiness have been eliminated. Therefore, to diagnose Idiopathic Hypersomnia, Narcolepsy is one of the conditions already ruled out. Idiopathic Hypersomnia, once other possible causes are ruled out, is often treated with the same medications used for Narcolepsy.
