Sleep quality and hypersomnia impact physical and mental health

Sleep is a vital process for physical and mental recovery, tissue repair, and memory processing. However, researchers warn that quality sleep is becoming increasingly rare due to various environmental and societal factors.

Factors threatening sleep quality include climate change—specifically rising temperatures and more frequent hot nights in Europe—technological advancements, shift work, urban environments, and misinformation. Experts suggest that instead of placing sole responsibility on individuals, European governments should address economic and public conditions through coordinated policies in health, education, labor, and urban planning.

Additionally, hypersomnia is identified as a significant sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness despite adequate nocturnal sleep. Primary hypersomnia, such as idiopathic hypersomnia, occurs independently, while secondary hypersomnia results from other conditions like sleep apnea, depression, or brain injuries.