Always Tired? Idiopathic Hypersomnia Symptoms in Women 65+

Feeling tired all the time is often brushed off as "just part of getting older." But for many women over 65, constant sleepiness can be a sign of a real medical condition. One lesser-known cause is idiopathic hypersomnia, a chronic sleep disorder that leads to excessive daytime sleepiness even after a full night's rest.

This article explains idiopathic hypersomnia symptoms as they often appear in women 65 and older, using clear language and medically credible information. The goal is to help you understand what may be happening—without alarm—and to encourage informed, practical next steps.

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What Is Idiopathic Hypersomnia?

Idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) is a neurological sleep disorder. The word idiopathic means the exact cause is unknown. Hypersomnia means excessive sleepiness.

People with IH feel overwhelmingly tired during the day, even if they sleep for long hours at night. Unlike normal fatigue, this sleepiness does not improve with naps or extra rest.

IH is recognized by major sleep medicine organizations, including the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and is considered a long-term condition that can significantly affect daily life.

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Why Idiopathic Hypersomnia Is Often Missed in Older Women

Idiopathic hypersomnia symptoms are frequently overlooked in women over 65 for several reasons:

• Daytime sleepiness is often blamed on aging
• Symptoms may overlap with other conditions like depression, arthritis, or thyroid disease
• Women are more likely to report fatigue but less likely to be referred to a sleep specialist
• Sleep disorders are underdiagnosed in older adults overall

As a result, many women live for years without answers, assuming their exhaustion is "normal."

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Common Idiopathic Hypersomnia Symptoms

Idiopathic hypersomnia symptoms can vary, but the core feature is excessive daytime sleepiness that persists for months or years.

Key symptoms include:

• Feeling extremely sleepy during the day, even after 7–9+ hours of sleep
• Difficulty waking up in the morning (often called sleep inertia)
• Feeling confused, groggy, or "foggy" for long periods after waking
• Long naps that are not refreshing
• Needing more than 9–10 hours of sleep per night
• Trouble staying alert while reading, watching TV, or sitting quietly
• Slowed thinking, memory issues, or difficulty concentrating
• Feeling physically heavy or drained throughout the day

Unlike some other sleep disorders, people with idiopathic hypersomnia do not usually wake up gasping or choking, and snoring may or may not be present.

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How Idiopathic Hypersomnia May Feel Different in Women 65+

In older women, idiopathic hypersomnia symptoms may appear more subtle or be mistaken for other health issues.

Women over 65 may notice:

• Increasing dependence on daytime naps
• Reduced motivation or energy for social activities
• Feeling "wiped out" after simple tasks like shopping or cooking
• Balance issues or increased fall risk due to drowsiness
• Mood changes, including irritability or low mood
• Difficulty managing medications or appointments due to brain fog

These symptoms can affect independence and quality of life, which is why they deserve careful attention.

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What Idiopathic Hypersomnia Is Not

It's important to understand what IH is not, especially to avoid confusion or unnecessary worry.

Idiopathic hypersomnia is not:

• Normal aging
• Laziness or lack of motivation
• Simply "sleeping too much by choice"
• The same as insomnia
• Always caused by depression (though the two can coexist)

That said, many other medical conditions can cause similar symptoms, which is why proper evaluation matters.

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Conditions That Can Look Like Idiopathic Hypersomnia

Before diagnosing idiopathic hypersomnia, doctors must rule out other possible causes of excessive sleepiness, such as:

• Sleep apnea
• Restless legs syndrome
• Medication side effects (especially sedatives or pain medications)
• Thyroid disorders
• Anemia
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Depression or anxiety
• Neurodegenerative conditions

This process helps ensure that serious or treatable conditions are not missed.

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When Should You Take Symptoms Seriously?

Occasional tiredness is normal. But ongoing sleepiness is not something to ignore.

You should consider speaking to a doctor if:

• Daytime sleepiness lasts longer than 3 months
• You feel unsafe driving or cooking due to drowsiness
• Sleepiness interferes with daily activities or independence
• You regularly sleep long hours and still feel unrefreshed
• Friends or family express concern about your alertness

If symptoms feel sudden, severe, or are accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or confusion, seek medical care immediately.

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A Simple First Step: Check Your Symptoms

If you're experiencing persistent tiredness and wondering whether it could be related to a Sleep Disorder, Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker can help you quickly assess your symptoms and determine if you should speak with a healthcare provider.

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How Idiopathic Hypersomnia Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis usually involves a sleep specialist and may include:

• A detailed medical and sleep history
• Review of medications and existing conditions
• Overnight sleep study (polysomnography)
• Daytime sleep testing to measure how quickly you fall asleep
• Blood tests to rule out other causes

Because idiopathic hypersomnia is a diagnosis of exclusion, the process can take time—but it is an important step toward proper care.

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Treatment and Management Options

While idiopathic hypersomnia has no cure, symptoms can often be managed.

Treatment plans may include:

• Wake-promoting medications (prescribed by a doctor)
• Adjusting current medications that worsen sleepiness
• Structured sleep schedules
• Gentle physical activity, as tolerated
• Strategic light exposure during the day

Treatment is individualized, especially in women over 65, where medication safety and interactions must be carefully considered.

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The Importance of Talking to a Doctor

Persistent sleepiness can sometimes signal serious or life-threatening conditions. That's why it's essential to speak to a doctor about any ongoing or worsening symptoms.

A healthcare professional can:

• Rule out dangerous conditions
• Review medications for side effects
• Refer you to a sleep specialist if needed
• Help create a safe and realistic treatment plan

You deserve to feel alert, engaged, and supported at every age.

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Final Thoughts

Being "always tired" is not something you have to accept as part of getting older. Idiopathic hypersomnia symptoms in women 65+ are real, medically recognized, and often overlooked—but help is available.

Listening to your body, checking your symptoms, and having an open conversation with a doctor can make a meaningful difference in your health and daily life.