Narcolepsy: What Is It? Find Out Here!

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that makes you feel exhausted, and in some severe cases you may have uncontrollable sleep attacks. That is why operating a vehicle with untreated narcolepsy is very dangerous. Some states have laws in place against it. 

1/2,000 people have some form of narcolepsy. This disorder is not known to be passed down genetically, although it may run in some families.

Cause

The cause of this disorder is still unknown. However, people with narcolepsy with cataplexy have low level of hypocretin, a chemical neurotransmitter that regulates arousal, wakefulness and appetite.

Types

WITH cataplexy

Cataplexy: attacks that cause sudden loss of muscle tone when awake. This may lead to slurred speech, among other symptoms. Among the most severe is complete paralysis.

Triggered by: strong emotions such as joy, surprise, laughter or anger.

WITHOUT cataplexy

Continuous excessive sleepiness but no cataplexy.

This disorder is often mistaken with other sleeping disorders that cause daytime sleepiness. It is often confused with:

• sleep apnea
• circadian rhythm sleep disorders
• restless legs syndrome

Several medical conditions, mental health disorders and use of certain medications or substances can cause similar symptoms.

Treatments

There is no cure for narcolepsy, but it can be managed through medications and lifestyle changes.

The treatments include:

stimulants

• modafinil
• methyphenidate (Ritalin)
• amphetamines

SSRIs or antidepresants

Mostply prescribed to patients with cataplexy or other symptoms like hallucinations and sleep paralysis.

lifestyle adjustments

Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes that can help you manage your disorder. Among those changes there are:

• consistent sleep schedule including weekends
• 20-minute naps during the day
• regular exercise and avoid the use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs.

Diagnosis

There are several ways to diagnose this disorder:

• in-lab overnight sleep study
• multiple sleep latency test (MSLT)
• Hypocretin Level Measurement

Common symptoms

• excessive daytime sleepiness
• hallucinations
• sleep paralysis
• disturbed nighttime sleep
• memory problems
• sudden loss in muscle tone (cataplexy)

To read more on this disorder click here