Kleine-Levin Syndrome: The Sleeping Beauty Disorder

In this fast-moving world, sleep has become a luxury. Imagine getting the much-needed 8 hours of peaceful sleep after a long tiring day. Sleep restores your body and is essential for your well-being. But how about longer periods, say, 16 to 20 hours of sleep daily? Will this make you a sleeping beauty or is it a bane? Let’s see how long periods of sleep affect an individual.

Kleine Levin Syndrome – What is it?

Kleine-Levin Syndrome (KLS) falls within the category of uncommon neurological conditions. It is also called the Sleeping Beauty Disorder. As the name suggests, recurring episodes of long sleep periods characterize it. It also is accompanied by some behavioural and cognitive changes. This disorder primarily develops in the teenage male population. This disorder is episodic with each episode lasting for a few days to a few weeks. The frequency of occurrence of these episodes decreases over time.

What are the symptoms?

This disorder has multiple associated symptoms. Two or more symptoms constitute an episode. The onset of an episode is sudden and sporadic. Periods between the episodes are completely normal and asymptomatic. A few common symptoms of Kleine-Levin Syndrome include:

• Lethargy – a state of feeling unusually tired, sluggish, or lacking energy.
• Behavioural abnormalities – exhibiting unreasoned irritation or rudeness.
• Mood disturbances – a state of feeling anxious, depressed and withdrawn. 
• Cognitive Disorientation – it includes states of confusion, attention deficits and memory distortion.
• Hallucinations – a state of derealization, where someone sees, hears, or feels things that aren’t there.
• Hypersomnia – a condition where a person feels excessively sleepy or has trouble staying awake during the day.
• Hypersexuality – a condition characterized by an excessive or uncontrollable preoccupation with sexual activity.
• Hyperphagia – a state in which an individual experiences an unusually heightened hunger and consumes food in excessive amounts.

People with this disorder reported that the episodes start with symptoms of abrupt overwhelming lethargy. They said they were drawn to bed, leaving only to eat or use the restroom. These symptoms fade once the episodes end, allowing the person to return to their normal mood and behaviour. Nevertheless, some people may still face ongoing memory loss.

What are the triggers?

Research has found a certain factor that triggers the onset of this syndrome. 

• Alcohol or drug use.
• Head trauma is seen as another trigger point.
• Sleep deprivation or stress can also be a set-off.
• Autumn and winter seasons have seen major onsets.
• The syndrome typically begins following an infection.
• Physical exertion or travelling is found to spark the syndrome.

What are the causes?

The precise cause of this syndrome remains unclear. Research suggests that this syndrome mostly occurs due to distortions occurring in the sleep-regulating sites (hypothalamus) of the brain. The following are the hypothesized causes of this rare syndrome.

• Toxins
• Genetics
• Head injury
• Cold-driven infections
• Autoimmune conditions
• Psychological Disturbances

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosing Kleine-Levin syndrome can be difficult because there isn’t a specific test for it. Doctors diagnose this syndrome by ruling out other conditions with similar symptoms. They will start by discussing your symptoms with you, including their duration and severity, before proceeding with further evaluations.

• Memory tests to diagnose symptoms of amnesia.
• Brain imaging is taken to dismiss any brain disorders.
• Toxicology tests are taken to exclude substance abuse.
• A sleep study is executed to monitor electrical brain activity.
• Blood tests have shown significant variations during episodes.

How is it treated?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all method for treating Kleine-Levin Syndrome, but various strategies can help manage symptoms and lessen their effect on daily life. Since this syndrome is quite rare and not fully understood, there isn’t a specific cure available yet. Medications often play a significant role in the treatment plan. For instance, mood stabilizers like Lithium can be beneficial, especially if mood fluctuations are a major feature of the episodes. Lithium has also proved to bring down the chances of relapses. 

How to cope with it?

Since this syndrome doesn’t have a targeted treatment option, management strategies to live with the syndrome are important. The following pointers help equip individuals to lead a balanced life with the syndrome.

• Be prepared – The initial step in coping with this syndrome is to gain an understanding of the disorder. It is important to learn about this neuropsychiatric condition and identify its triggers & symptoms. This knowledge will help you manage episodes more effectively.
• Ensuring a Safe Space: Because this syndrome’s episodes can lead individuals to sleep for long durations, it is important to make sure their surroundings are secure and cosy. Eliminate any potential dangers and ensure the person can rest peacefully without interruptions.
• Seek Help: It is primary and essential to get external support. Engaging with others who are familiar with the struggles of living with this syndrome can provide valuable comfort and practical guidance.

Kleine-Levin syndrome generally follows a mild course, with symptoms often resolving on their own. Towards the end of the illness, episodes generally become less frequent and less severe, and patients are considered to be cured if they no longer have symptoms.

FAQs:

What is Kleine-Levin Syndrome?

Kleine-Levin Syndrome (KLS) is an uncommon neurological condition also known as Sleeping Beauty Disorder. It is characterized by recurring episodes of long sleep periods and is accompanied by some behavioural and cognitive changes.

What are the symptoms of KLS?

Hypersomnia, Hyperphagia, Hypersexuality and lethargy.

What are the causes of KLS?

Genetics, autoimmune conditions, toxins, head injury.

What are the triggers of KLS?

Alcohol, sleep deprivation, infections, head injury.