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ICD Hub / Sleep–wake disorders (G47) / 7A26 - Insufficient sleep syndrome
ICD-11

ICD-11 Codes
for 7A26 - Insufficient sleep syndrome
Teodor Jurukovski January 1, 1970
Fact checked by: Teodor Jurukovski
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Understanding Insufficient Sleep Syndrome (7A26)

Insufficient Sleep Syndrome, identified by ICD-11 code 7A26, is a condition characterised by a persistent failure to obtain adequate sleep duration. This chronic sleep deprivation occurs when an individual's sleep pattern is curtailed for at least several months, preventing them from maintaining normal levels of alertness and wakefulness. It falls under the Hypersomnolence disorders category within ICD-11's Sleep-wake disorders chapter. A key diagnostic feature is that the individual's ability to initiate and maintain sleep is unimpaired.

Factors Contributing to Chronic Sleep Deprivation

The primary drivers of Insufficient Sleep Syndrome are often behavioural and lifestyle-related choices that lead to a consistently shortened sleep schedule. This condition is sometimes referred to as behaviourally induced hypersomnia, highlighting the role of personal habits in creating a state of chronic sleep debt. These choices typically involve delaying bedtime significantly, resulting in a sleep pattern that is insufficient to meet the body's physiological needs for rest and recovery.

Recognising the Signs of Insufficient Sleep

Individuals experiencing Insufficient Sleep Syndrome commonly report persistent daytime sleepiness and a general lack of alertness. A notable characteristic is the marked extension of sleep time observed on weekend nights or during holidays, which typically leads to a resolution of the sleepiness symptoms. Unlike other sleep disorders, the core issue is not difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, but rather the insufficient total amount of sleep obtained on a regular basis.

Diagnosing Insufficient Sleep Syndrome

The diagnosis of Insufficient Sleep Syndrome (7A26) is established through a comprehensive clinical assessment. Key diagnostic criteria include a history of a curtailed sleep pattern present most days for at least several months, with unimpaired sleep initiation and maintenance. Furthermore, the symptoms of sleepiness should resolve when the individual is able to extend their total sleep time, often observed during periods with fewer behavioural constraints on sleep duration, such as weekends.

Managing Insufficient Sleep Syndrome

Effective management of Insufficient Sleep Syndrome centres on addressing the root cause: insufficient sleep duration. Treatment strategies focus on increasing the total amount of sleep obtained each night to meet individual physiological requirements. This typically involves making conscious behavioural changes to establish a more adequate and consistent sleep schedule. When individuals are able to extend their sleep time, the symptoms of sleepiness are generally resolved.

Coding and Documenting 7A26

For medical coding and documentation purposes, Insufficient Sleep Syndrome is assigned the ICD-11 code 7A26. Common clinical synonyms include behaviourally induced hypersomnia, nonorganic origin somnolence, primary hypersomnia, and hypersomnia of nonorganic origin. Patient-friendly terms for this condition are chronic sleep deprivation or not getting enough sleep. This diagnosis is classified under ICD-11's Chapter 07: Sleep-wake disorders, specifically within the Hypersomnolence disorders block. Accurate documentation should reflect the persistent nature of the curtailed sleep pattern and the resolution of symptoms with adequate sleep duration.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ICD-11 classification for Insufficient sleep syndrome?
Insufficient sleep syndrome is classified under Chapter 07 Sleep-wake disorders, within the Hypersomnolence disorders category, with the code 7A26.
How is Insufficient sleep syndrome defined in ICD-11?
Insufficient sleep syndrome is defined as a condition where an individual persistently fails to obtain the amount of sleep required to maintain normal alertness and wakefulness, leading to chronic sleep deprivation.
What are the key characteristics of the sleep pattern in Insufficient sleep syndrome according to ICD-11?
In Insufficient sleep syndrome, the curtailed sleep pattern is present most days for at least several months, the ability to initiate and maintain sleep is unimpaired, and symptoms resolve with extended sleep on non-work days.
What are the alternative terms used for Insufficient sleep syndrome in ICD-11?
Alternative terms for Insufficient sleep syndrome in ICD-11 include Behaviourally induced hypersomnia, nonorganic origin somnolence, primary hypersomnia, and hypersomnia of nonorganic origin.
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