People with Kleine-Levin syndrome (KLS) can sleep for
About
Research suggests that the eating habits of people with KLS may be linked to other symptoms they experience.
Hyperphagia (excessive eating) is one of the
They may also have atypical eating habits, such as eating unusual items, like watermelon peels, or things they don’t usually eat, like a person who’s vegan eating animal products.
The food intake can be the equivalent of
In some cases, people with KLS wake up only to eat and go back to sleep soon after eating.
About one-third of people with KLS experience anorexia (a severely reduced appetite) instead of hyperphagia. This condition is different from anorexia nervosa, which is linked to a fear of gaining weight.
In these cases, the hypersomnia, or excessive sleeping that comes along with KLS, might be even more severe. Some reports indicate people sleeping for 22 to 23 hours a day, waking up only to use the restroom.
Another common feature of KLS is hypersexuality, which is intense and compulsive sexual thoughts and behavior. But some people who experience reduced appetite may also experience hyposexuality (reduced sexual interest).
Some doctors call this atypical KLS, where opposite symptoms replace the typical ones.
It can be difficult to manage nutrition during a KLS episode. In cases of hyperphagia, eating can be compulsive, and some people physically resist if others try to prevent them from eating what they want.
KLS episodes can last for
KLS is a recurring condition, though it may lessen in frequency with age. However, some treatments can help reduce the frequency of episodes, such as:
- lithium
- carbamazepine (Tegretol, Epitol)
- risperidone (Risperdal)
Talk with a doctor about how you can reduce the effect of KLS on your daily nutrition and activities.