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Idiopathic Hypersomnia & Narcolepsy
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FEATURED POSTS
How to access Sodium Oxybate in Australia
and why is Sodium Oxybate is not TGA registered (approved) or PBS listed? Update – November 2025 The supply arrangements for Xyrem® (sodium oxybate) in Australia have recently changed. UCB Pharma, the company that has been importing and supplying Xyrem® under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Special Access Scheme (SAS), has confirmed that they can no longer continue supply due to global distribution changes made by the manufacturer, Jazz Pharmaceuticals. To prevent
Michelle Chadwick
Nov 87 min read
From Diagnosis to Aftercare
Guidance for Health Professionals supporting individuals with Narcolepsy and Idiopathic Hypersomnia The relief individuals may experience when diagnosed with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia, the confirmation that they have a genuine disorder, is often short-lived. This document aims to guide health professionals in helping individuals prepare for this adjustment and support them in managing their expectations. Click here  to download a copy of this information. Discus
Michelle Chadwick
Nov 34 min read
Top Tips for Living with Hypersomnia
Top Tips for Living with Hypersomnia. Practical advice for Patients, Carers, and treating Doctors.
Michelle Chadwick
Nov 35 min read
Update on Xyrem® (Sodium Oxybate) Supply in Australia
Many people living with Narcolepsy or Idiopathic Hypersomnia (IH) have been asking what’s happening with Xyrem® (sodium oxybate) supply in Australia. I have met with representatives from UCB Pharma and also communicated directly with MedSurge, the company now supporting supply. Here’s what we can confirm - and why you can still access treatment. What’s happening UCB Pharma, who have been importing and supplying Xyrem® in Australia under the TGA’s Special Access Scheme (SAS)
Michelle Chadwick
Oct 312 min read
Sleep DownUnder 2025 Highlights
From the perspective of Central Disorders of Hypersomnolence - Idiopathic Hypersomnia & Narcolepsy
Michelle Chadwick
Oct 2521 min read
Insights from a 10-Year Australasian Idiopathic Hypersomnia Patient Data Registry Study
This is the first registry study of patients with IH in Australia and NZ. It demonstrates the value of patient registries to better…
Michelle Chadwick
Sep 37 min read
Sleep DownUnder - Hypersomnolence Australia Delegate Opportunity
We are excited to offer two people the opportunity to represent Hypersomnolence Australia at this year's Sleep DownUnder Conference.
Michelle Chadwick
Mar 173 min read
Sleep DownUnder 2024 - Update
Last year, I noted that the recent attention on Idiopathic Hypersomnia and narcolepsy, both globally and in Australia, has been...
Michelle Chadwick
Nov 22, 20246 min read
How can I improve my quality of life?
Idiopathic Hypersomnia - How can I improve my quality of life?
Michelle Chadwick
May 21, 202417 min read
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Idiopathic Hypersomnia causes more than just sleepiness
The main symptom of Idiopathic Hypersomnia (IH) is an overwhelming need for excessive sleep. Despite adequate and often extraordinary...
Idiopathic Hypersomnia has come a long way, and so have I
Michelle Chadwick is the founder of Hypersomnolence Australia (HA), the world’s first not for profit organisation to be dedicated to Idiopathic Hypersomnia (IH). In the same year, 2013, that Michelle started HA she created the worldwide Idiopathic Hypersomnia Awareness Week . In 2022 she gave a presentation at the Idiopathic Hypersomnia & Narcolepsy Education Day . This was an event she organised and included local and international speakers including Prof Yves Dauvilliers.
Idiopathic Hypersomnia is a neglected disorder
During her presentation at SLEEP 2022, Isabelle Arnulf, MD, PhD, senior neurologist and professor of neurology at the Pierre and Marie...
Narcolepsy & Idiopathic Hypersomnia Management Beyond Medication
On Wednesday 6th Sept at 7.30pm we will be holding a joint Living with IH and Living with Narcolepsy Catch up. There will be a special presentation by Gina Dennis, Narcolepsy & Idiopathic Hypersomnia Management Beyond Medication. See below for more details. LIVING WITH NARCOLEPSY & LIVING WITH IDIOPATHIC HYPERSOMNIA - Joint community group catch up. 6th SEPTEMBER - 7.30PM AEST Guest Speaker: Gina Dennis, CHC Topic : Narcolepsy & Idiopathic Hypersomnia Management Beyond Medic
Write to policymakers
Ever considered writing to policymakers eg: your local member, the Federal and State Health Ministers? But don’t know where to start or...
Living with Idiopathic Hypersomnia & Living with Narcolepsy Community Groups
Hypersomnolence Australia believes in providing quality support to individuals living with Idiopathic Hypersomnia (IH) and Narcolepsy,...
Electrolytes and Dehydration
Reducing carbohydrates in our diet can have a positive impact on overall health and wellbeing. It may also help improve our ability to manage symptoms of Idiopathic Hypersomnia (IH) and Narcolepsy. Carbohydrates act much like sugar in the body — causing spikes in blood glucose that are followed by dips. Those dips often trigger the familiar afternoon crashes, which are the last thing people with IH or narcolepsy need! One of the most important things to keep in mind when foll
RESEARCH STUDY - Physical Activity and Hypersomnolence
Can Physical Activity Help Manage Narcolepsy and Idiopathic Hypersomnia? Researchers at the University of Sydney are conducting a...
Nutrition and Diet with Jessica Turton
Our first special guest speaker was Jessica Turton. Jessica is a qualified practicing dietitian and nutritionist, Phd Student, and founder o
Idiopathic Hypersomnia - Advocacy and Awareness
During the Idiopathic Hypersomnia & Narcolepsy Education Day in April this year, we discussed what was needed for Idiopathic Hypersomnia (IH), not just in Australia, but around the world. Prof Ron Grunstein and Dr David Cunnington's presentations both centred around what the current IH challenges are and how we can address them. Prof Yves Dauvilliers (a leading IH and Narcolepsy researcher from Montpellier, France) was also one of our speakers. His 5 year goal is to get IH t
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