Sleeping beauty syndrome

Sleeping beauty sounds like a fairy tale which involves a princess, a sleeping enchantment and a handsome prince. But in reality it involve a sleeping syndrome known as Sleeping beauty syndrome.

Kleine- Levin syndrome (KLS) also known as Sleeping Beauty Syndrome is a rare and complex neurological disorder characterized by recurring periods of excessive amount of sleep, altered behavior, and a reduced understanding of the world.
This disorder strikes adolescent primarily but can occur in younger children and adults.
It characterized by persistent episodic hypersomnia and cognitive or mood changes.
Many patients also experience hyperphagia, hypersexuality and other syndrome. 

What causes KLS and who's at risk?

The exact cause of KLS is unknown, but some doctors believe certain factors can increase your risk for this condition.

• KLS may arise from an injury in the hypothalamus, the part of brain that controls sleep, appetite, and body temperature.
• Some people develop KLS after an infection like flu. Because of the fact that it is an autoimmune disease in which body's immune system is attacks by its own healthy tissues.
• Some incidents of KLS may also be genetic.There are cases where the disorder affects more than one person in a family. But no clear genetic association have been found.  
  

  Symptoms of KLS

  Symptoms occur as "episode" , typically lasting a few days to a few weeks.
  Episode onset is often abrupt, and may be associated with flu-like symptoms.
  
  • Excessive food intake
  • Irritability 
  • Childishness
  • Disorientation
  • Hallucinations
  • An abnormal uninhibited sex drive may be observed during episodes.
  • Mood can be depressed as a consequence, but not a cause of the disorder.  
    

    Diagnosing of KLS

    KLS is a difficult disorder to diagnose. Some people are misdiagnosed with a psychiatric disorders because KLS can occur with other psychiatric symptoms.
    As a result, it can take an average of four years for someone to receive an accurate diagnosis.
    There isn't a single test to help the doctor confirm this condition. Instead, the doctor may conduct a series of tests to rule out other possible illnesses. These may include blood work, a sleep study, or imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI of the head.
    

    Living with KLS

    Because episodes of KLS can occur over a span of 10 years or more.
    Living with this condition can have a tremendous impact on your life
    
    • It can interfere with your ability to work.
    • Go to school or work place.
    • cultivate relationships with friends and family.
    • It can also trigger anxiety and depression, primarily because you don't know when an episode will occur or how long it will last.
    • If you experience increased hunger and overeat during episodes, you may be more likely to gain weight. 
      

      Is there a cure for KLS?

      Treating Kleine-Levin Syndrome. 
      There is no specific, definite treatment to cure or control KLS. 
      Some aspects of the disease can be managed with medication, such as stimulants to combat the EDS, but this is more effective only once the episodes have already decreased in severity.