Treatments for excessive sleepiness involve treating the underlying causes of sleep disturbance and alleviating the symptoms. Drugs to help the sleepiness include the stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine, and the newer medication, modafinil (Provigil). Antidepressants such as the monoamine oxidase inhibitors may also provide some relief for the sleep problems and also for the mood disturbances. A recently approved drug called Xyrem may help a small group of patients who have narcolepsy. Other drugs used to treat hypersomnia include clonidine and the Parkinson’s disease drugs levodopa and bromocriptine.

Patients with sleep apnea can use a continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP) to help keep their airway open at night.

Behavioral changes may also help sleep some people, such as maintaining regular sleep habits and avoiding alcohol and caffeine.