What is the Difference Between Hypersomnia and Insomnia?

Hypersomnia and insomnia are both sleep disorders that can negatively impact daily functioning and quality of life. However, they have distinct symptoms and effects on an individual's sleep patterns.

Hypersomnia is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, and in some cases, excessive nighttime sleeping as well. Common symptoms of hypersomnia include:

Inability to stay awake during the day
Sleep inertia, or trouble waking up after normal sleep hours
Sleep drunkenness

On the other hand, insomnia is characterized by an inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, despite being tired. Common symptoms of insomnia include:

Inability to fall asleep
Inability to stay asleep
Waking up early and being unable to fall back asleep

Both hypersomnia and insomnia can lead to fatigue, depression, irritability, anxiety, and problems with concentration and memory. However, the key difference between the two disorders is that people with hypersomnia may feel like they need to sleep more because the rest they receive isn't sufficient, while people with insomnia struggle to fall or stay asleep.

Treatment for these sleep disorders also varies. People with insomnia may benefit from medications such as benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepines, and melatonin agonists, while those with hypersomnia may require oxybates, stimulants, and wake-promoting medications. In some cases, both hypersomnia and insomnia can occur simultaneously, often alongside other psychiatric disorders like major depressive disorder.