There is nothing more innocent than seeing a sleeping face that is characterized by childhood and innocence, immersed in his dreams. But did you know that this matter may turn into a disorder that affects the person, as he finds himself unable to wake up from sleep, and his sleep period may extend to more than fifteen hours a day? We will learn in Dalili Medical about this topic in detail in our next article about Kleine-Levin Syndrome, also known as "Sleeping Beauty".

**How ​​many people suffer from Kleine-Levin Syndrome?**

 

Kleine-Levin Syndrome (KLS) is a rare neurological disorder of unspecified origin, characterized by recurrent episodes of hypersomnia, accompanied by cognitive and behavioral disorders. The percentage of those affected is estimated at about 1 in 500,000 people.

**How ​​long does Kleine-Levin Syndrome last?**

 

The affected person may not show any symptoms for periods extending to weeks or even months. When symptoms appear, they can last for several days or weeks. In some cases, the symptoms associated with Kleine-Levin syndrome may go away with age, but it is possible for episodes to recur later in life.

**Is Kleine-Levin syndrome real?**

 

Yes, Kleine-Levin syndrome (KLS) is a rare condition that causes a person to sleep for long periods. People diagnosed with this syndrome experience episodes of sleeping for up to 20 hours a day, accompanied by changes in their behavior. The exact cause of this condition is still unknown, but the symptoms associated with it can be treated.

Is Kleine-Levin syndrome considered a disability?

 

Having idiopathic hypersomnia or related disorders, such as narcolepsy type I or II or Kleine-Levin syndrome, can affect your ability to perform your duties at work. You can request job accommodations to help you complete your duties.

What is Sleeping Beauty Syndrome?

 

This syndrome is considered one of the psychological sleep disorders that directly affects the quality of a person’s sleep, but it is different from traditional disorders that cause nighttime insomnia. Rather, it is associated with frequent bouts of excessive sleepiness, and sometimes your sleeping hours may reach more than 20 hours a day, hence the name "Sleeping Beauty Syndrome".

**Types of Kleine-Levin Syndrome**

There are three main types of Kleine-Levin Syndrome: typical, atypical, and malignant. The typical type is characterized by recurrent bouts of excessive sleep and altered behaviors. While individuals with the atypical type may experience additional symptoms such as depression or hypersexuality.

The malignant form of the syndrome is more severe, as its bouts last longer and are more frequent. Each type of Kleine-Levin Syndrome can affect an individual's life differently.

**Typical Kleine-Levin Syndrome:** This form is characterized by recurrent bouts of excessive sleep, increased appetite, and cognitive disturbances, which usually last from several days to several weeks.

**Atypical Kleine-Levin syndrome:** In this type, individuals may experience atypical symptoms such as mood swings, hallucinations, or hypersexuality, in addition to classic symptoms such as excessive sleepiness and increased appetite.

**Adolescent Kleine-Levin syndrome:** This type usually appears during adolescence, with individuals experiencing bouts of excessive sleepiness and behavioral changes that may affect their daily lives.

The exact cause of Kleine-Levin syndrome is still unknown, but it is thought to be related to dysfunction in the hypothalamus and thalamus regions of the brain. Some cases have been linked to genetic factors, infections, head injuries, and autoimmune responses.

**Genetic predisposition:** Kleine-Levin syndrome may be caused by genetic factors, with individuals with a family history of the condition being more likely to develop it.

**Brain dysfunction:** Some cases of Kleine-Levin syndrome may be associated with dysfunction in the brain, particularly in the hypothalamus.

**Autoimmune response:** In rare cases, the immune system can mistakenly attack the brain, leading to inflammation and the development of Kleine-Levin syndrome.

**Viral infection:** Some viral infections, such as the Epstein-Barr virus, have been linked to the development of Kleine-Levin syndrome in some individuals.

What are the symptoms of Kleine-Levin syndrome?

 

People with Kleine-Levin syndrome experience recurring episodes of excessive sleep, which may last for days or weeks. During these episodes, individuals may exhibit changes in their behavior, cognition, and appetite. Other symptoms include confusion, irritability, and hallucinations, which can significantly impact their daily life and relationships.

**Excessive sleepiness:** People with Kleine-Levin syndrome may experience episodes of extreme fatigue, where they sleep for unusually long periods, sometimes up to 20 hours a day.

**Confusion and disorientation:** During episodes of the syndrome, individuals may feel disoriented and disoriented, and have difficulty understanding their surroundings or recognizing people around them.

**Increased appetite and compulsive eating:** Patients with Kleine-Levin syndrome often show a significant increase in appetite, craving certain foods and engaging in compulsive eating behaviors during episodes.

**Cognitive impairment:** Some individuals with this condition may experience difficulties with memory, concentration, and general cognitive functions, making it difficult for them to perform daily tasks or participate in conversations.

When should you see a doctor?

 

It is important to realize that every body is different, which means that symptoms may vary from person to person. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment option for your condition.

Diseases similar to Kleine-Levin syndrome:

Some diseases have similar symptoms to this syndrome, highlighting the importance of an accurate diagnosis. These diseases include:

Narcolepsy: The exact cause of narcolepsy is still unclear, but it causes symptoms similar to those associated withQ with this syndrome. Sleeping for long periods during the day is one of its most prominent symptoms, in addition to sudden and chronic muscle weakness, feeling paralyzed during sleep, intermittent sleep at night, difficulty resisting drowsiness at any time during the day, and hallucinations. Symptoms of narcolepsy usually begin between the ages of ten and twenty.

**Narcolepsy:** The symptoms of narcolepsy are similar to the "Sleeping Beauty" syndrome, as the affected person can fall asleep at any time, even during the day, and this may be accompanied by some convulsions and hallucinations. This condition particularly affects teenagers.

**Depression:** Depression is attributed to the interaction of genetic and environmental factors, such as family medical history and nutrition. Depression may be considered one of the signs of this syndrome. Its symptoms include: sleeping for long periods or sleep deprivation, mental confusion, difficulty concentrating and thinking normally, irritability, and loss of enthusiasm. The affected person feels sad and upset, and suffers from unexplained excessive sleep, which is a neurological disease associated with sleep, and often appears in adolescence and young adulthood. Its symptoms worsen over months and weeks, causing the patient to be unable to get up or stay awake during the day, and to sleep at inappropriate times, which negatively affects his performance in daily activities.

Diagnosis of Sleeping Beauty Syndrome:

Diagnosing Sleeping Beauty Syndrome is difficult due to the similarity of its symptoms to many other psychological illnesses. It is diagnosed by ruling out similar diseases, as there is no specific test for it.

The doctor performs some physical examinations and requests diagnostic tests such as:

- Complete blood count analysis.

- Measuring blood sugar levels.

- Sleep study.

- Measuring hormone levels in the blood.

- Conducting a CT scan or MRI of the brain.

These tests are performed to rule out some similar diseases, such as:

- Hypothyroidism.

- Diabetes.

- Brain tumors.

- Some neurological and psychological conditions such as depression.

- Epilepsy.

- African sleeping sickness.

**Treatment of Sleeping Beauty Syndrome:**

The treatment phase can be divided into two parts:

**Treatment of the symptoms that appear on the patient:**

1. Using stimulants to reduce excessive sleep, although they can cause irritation, such as amphetamines (methylphenidate), they do not affect other symptoms such as hallucinations and nervousness.

2. The patient may benefit from treatment with phenytoin, a drug used to treat epilepsy, to help reduce seizures if present.

3. Antidepressants and carbamazepine can be given, but this treatment should be reviewed to assess its safety and effectiveness in treating Kleine-Levin syndrome.

4. Mood-soothing medications can also be used, such as lithium, which is used to treat bipolar disorder, as it helps reduce mood disorders and shows an effective effect in shortening episodes of excessive sleep without recording other behavioral symptoms.

Family and surrounding support: The patient requires help from his family and surrounding people to organize the timing of taking medications and meals, in addition to trying to wake him up and motivate him. It is best to follow up the treatment in cooperation with a team of doctors from various specialties, such as a pediatrician, a psychiatrist, and a neurologist.