Can idiopathic hypersomnia eventually lead to narcolepsy?

Question

I'm struggling with idiopathic hypersomnia and am very worried.

Answer 1

While both idiopathic hypersomnia and narcolepsy are chronic sleep disorders characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, they are generally considered distinct conditions. It is generally not accurate to say that IH "leads to" narcolepsy. While there can be diagnostic challenges and some overlapping symptoms, idiopathic hypersomnia is not typically a precursor or a stage that evolves into narcolepsy. They are considered separate central disorders of hypersomnolence.

Answer 2

Idiopathic hypersomnia does not necessarily lead to narcolepsy, but misdiagnosis can occur early in the disease course. If additional symptoms (e.g., REM abnormalities or cataplexy) later appear, the diagnosis may shift. This reflects diagnostic clarification, not progression from IH to narcolepsy.

Source: American Academy of Sleep Medicine. International Classification of Sleep Disorders – Third Edition (ICSD-3).