Sleepiness is a  issue with some adults and children with Myotonic Dystrophy. Sleepiness or Hypersomnia can have great impact on the social life of patients with myotonic dystrophy. Some patients have reported relief with Provigil although studies have indicated that there is no overall benefit. Provigil may work to help mobilize the sleep patterns so that a person can attend an event but then catch up on sleep later. A new study is looking at a different drug.

This study is by one of the worlds experts in the Disease (DM1) Dr. Puymirat in Quebec, Canada. This article  studies Ritalin (20mg) and Myotonic dystrophy related to sleepiness with some good results. However, it is noted that palpitations are a side effect of the study. The risks with Ritalin are low but make sure to see a cardiologist before using or having Ritalin prescribed.