vitamin-b-12 and Disorders-of-Excessive-Somnolence

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is one of the leading reasons that patients present to sleep clinics. Approximately 10% to 14% of the adults report that excessive sleepiness interferes with their daily lives. Common causes of EDS include obstructive sleep apnea, sleep deprivation, circadian rhythm disorders, medication effects, psychiatric conditions especially depression, and primary hypersomnia such as narcolepsy or central idiopathic hypersomnia. Vitamin B. Khawaja I, Yingling K, Bukamur H, Abusnina W. Vitamin B

Topics: Aged; Disorders of Excessive Somnolence; Humans; Male; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamin B Complex

A 32 year old male patient suffered from recurrent hypersomnia for 12 years was successfully treated with vitamin B12. Episodes of hypersomnia lasting a few days occurred repeatedly a few times each year. Furthermore, the frequency of episodes had increased during the last 2 years. During the administration of vitamin B12, the patient had no episodes of hypersomnia for 6 months. In addition, he did not have any episodes during a follow-up observation period of 17 months after cessation of the treatment. Thus, this case suggests that vitamin B12 may be effective for preventing recurrent hypersomnia.

Topics: Adult; Circadian Rhythm; Disorders of Excessive Somnolence; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Administration Schedule; Humans; Male; Recurrence; Sleep Stages; Vitamin B 12