Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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May 01, 2024
WHEREAS, idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) is a serious and chronic neurological disorder associated with debilitating symptoms that affect patients 24 hours per day. IH has a considerable, life-altering impact on people living with the condition and their supporters; and,
WHEREAS, it is estimated that approximately 92,000 adults in the US have IH; and,
WHEREAS, the main symptom of IH is excessive daytime sleepiness, which is defined by daily periods of an irrepressible need to sleep, or daytime lapses into sleep, even if you had enough sleep the night before. Common symptoms include severe sleep inertia (which is prolonged difficulty waking with frequent re-entries into sleep, confusion, and irritability), brain fog, non-restorative sleep, long sleep (more than 9 hours per night or more than 11 hours in a 24-hour period), and long unrefreshing naps; and,
WHEREAS, the symptoms of IH adversely affect quality of life, wreak havoc on typical day-to-day activities, and can lead to problems with thinking, working, and socializing. People with IH may have trouble functioning in their jobs, staying in school, having romantic relationships, and fully engaging with their friends and loved ones; and,
WHEREAS, people with IH and their supporters are often judged, invalidated, dismissed, overlooked, and inappropriately considered lazy and unmotivated by others, such as loved ones, friends, employers, school administrators, and medical professionals; and,
WHEREAS, despite its seriousness, IH is under-recognized and under-researched, which leads to underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis. Diagnosis, when it does occur, is often delayed, sometimes by up to 10 years or longer; and,
WHEREAS, we applaud the grassroots organizers raising awareness, improving diagnosis, and encouraging and supporting efforts to increase funding and research in order to provide support, numerous effective treatment options covered by insurance, and eventually a cure;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim June 1, 2024, as Idiopathic Hypersomnia Awareness Day in Michigan.