From the Guidelines
People with hypersomnia are likely to experience increased sleepiness on rainy days due to the disruption of their circadian rhythms and other environmental factors. The relationship between weather conditions and hypersomnia symptoms is complex, but certain factors associated with rainy days can exacerbate excessive daytime sleepiness.
- Lower barometric pressure
- Reduced sunlight exposure
- Increased humidity can all influence sleep-wake cycles and energy levels 1. While the provided study focuses on the treatment of hypersomnia secondary to Parkinson’s disease with modafinil 1, it highlights the importance of managing excessive daytime sleepiness, a key symptom of hypersomnia. Individuals with hypersomnia may find that rainy days worsen their symptoms due to the lack of natural light, which is crucial for regulating circadian rhythms. The use of bright light therapy or morning exposure to natural light can help mitigate this effect. Additionally, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, engaging in physical activity, and potentially adjusting medication under the guidance of a healthcare provider can help manage hypersomnia symptoms on rainy days. It is essential for individuals with hypersomnia to work closely with their healthcare providers to develop strategies for managing their condition, especially during weather changes that may exacerbate their symptoms 1.
From the Research
Hypersomnia and Sleepiness on Rainy Days
- There is no direct evidence to suggest that individuals with hypersomnia are sleepier on rainy days 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Hypersomnia is a disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, often accompanied by long sleep times or difficulty in awakening 2.
- The optimal treatment strategy for idiopathic hypersomnia is currently unknown, but medications such as modafinil have been shown to be effective in reducing subjective measures of sleepiness 2, 6.
- Factors that can contribute to excessive sleepiness include chronic sleep deprivation, sleep apnea syndrome, narcolepsy, movement disorders during sleep, circadian sleep disorders, and use of drugs and medications 3.
- Treatment of excessive sleepiness typically involves addressing the underlying cause, and may include sleep hygiene, positive pressure therapy, dopaminergic agents, phototherapy, and stimulants 3.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and sleep restriction therapy (SRT) are also used to treat insomnia and excessive sleepiness, but their effects on sleepiness in individuals with hypersomnia are not well understood 4, 5.