They may be sexually uninhibited or have an abnormally increased sex drive (hypersexuality). In some cases, individuals with Kleine-Levin syndrome also exhibit an abnormal sexual drive. Most individuals with Kleine-Levin syndrome may experience weight gain associated with episodes of compulsive hyperphagia. Affected individuals generally do not complain of being excessively hungry but will typically consume available food, regardless of the food’s condition, quality, or appeal to their preferences. In addition, individuals with Kleine-Levin syndrome may have an uncontrollable urge to eat excessively (compulsive hyperphagia). In some cases, affected individuals may experience hallucinations or sense of distorted reality in which they feel detached from their surroundings or have disconnected thinking. They may also appear confused (disoriented), or have difficulties speaking such as slurred speech. Although affected individuals can be awakened, they may be irritable or listless (lethargic) and/or lack emotion (apathy). Individuals with Kleine-Levin syndrome may sleep for 18 to 20 hours per day and wake only to eat, urinate, and defecate. However, episodes have been reported to occur in individuals well into the fourth and fifth decades of life. Episodes become less frequent with age and may eventually disappear (spontaneous remission). In most cases, no symptoms of Kleine-Levin syndrome are exhibited between episodes. Affected individuals may have approximately two to 12 episodes per year. Such symptoms may persist for days to weeks. Onset of symptoms associated with this disorder is extremely rapid. Kleine-Levin syndrome is an extremely rare disorder characterized by the need for excessive amounts of sleep (hypersomnolence), excessive eating (compulsive hyperphagia), and behavioral abnormalities. Some researchers speculate that Kleine-Levin syndrome may be an autoimmune disorder. It is thought that symptoms of Kleine-Levin syndrome may be related to malfunction of the portion of the brain that helps to regulate functions such as sleep, appetite, and body temperature (hypothalamus). However, researchers believe that in some cases, hereditary factors may cause some individuals to have a genetic predisposition to developing the disorder. The exact cause of Kleine-Levin syndrome is not known. However, episodes may recur later during life. In some cases, the symptoms associated with Kleine-Levin syndrome eventually disappear with advancing age. When present, symptoms may persist for days to weeks. An affected individual may go for weeks or months without experiencing symptoms. Symptoms of Kleine-Levin syndrome are cyclical. They may also appear confused (disoriented) and experience hallucinations. When awake, affected individuals may exhibit irritability, lack of energy (lethargy), and/or lack of emotions (apathy). The disorder primarily affects adolescent males. Kleine-Levin syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by the need for excessive amounts of sleep (hypersomnolence), (i.e., up to 20 hours a day) excessive food intake (compulsive hyperphagia) and behavioral changes such as an abnormally uninhibited sexual drive. 5 Myths About Orphan Drugs and the Orphan Drug Act.

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Sleepless synonym