Knowing the Symptoms of Narcolepsy and Your Options for Treatment

Narcolepsy is no joke. Excessive sleepiness during the day is often shunned and left undiagnosed for years, often resulting in more grave problems like depression and death. Physicians don't always pinpoint narcolepsy as there are many factors that might be triggering the sleepiness. Sufferers often feel a lack of energy and extremely tired.

There are times when the severe sleepiness is suddenly felt that it is usually called an “attack.” These attacks commonly run for no more than thirty minutes, but in severe cases the sufferer can be knocked out for hours. If you have watched the mocie Deuce Bigalow and watched that girl who always falls asleep in the middle of an activity for no apparent reason, that’s an example of severe narcolepsy. Narcoleptics even have really weak memory and incorrect vision.

Most situations of narcolepsy are genetic. The hypothalamus is attacked by bad genes, stopping it from sending appropriate signals to the rest of the body. The hereditary nature of narcolepsy is compared to heart ailments only that the former happens even when not triggered.

Another potential reason for narcolepsy is a drop in cerebral proteins in the amygdala, which are accountable for keeping the hypothalamus active. The lack of the protein called hypocretin has been discovered to be very palpable in narcoleptics.

There is no identified cure for narcolepsy, but there are medications and methods that may be applied to treat some of its symptoms. The kind of treatments a narcoleptic is given depends on the severity of his or her problem; and because it is a disorder that is a challenge to address, it could take some time before the most appropriate regimen is determined.

Some of the most popular narcolepsy drugs are dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), Modafinil, and methylphenidate (Ritalin). But the medical community still recommend that they be taken along with better lifestyle habits. Caffeine is not suggested as it has not really manifested any remedying potential in the previous studies.

You will definitely need your doctor's advice if you want to use drugs. Narcolepsy is something that we must take seriously because, if left as it is, it could be morbid. Some patients have even died due to narcolepsy as they had attacks while in an activity.

The Cause and Symptoms of Narcolepsy

The main characteristic of narcolepsy is overwhelming excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), even after adequate nighttime sleep. A person with narcolepsy is likely to become drowsy or to fall asleep, often at inappropriate times and places. Daytime naps may occur with or without warning and may be irresistible. These naps can occur several times a day. They are typically refreshing, but only for up to a couple hours. Drowsiness may persist for prolonged periods of time. In addition, night-time sleep may be fragmented with frequent wakenings.

Daytime sleepiness, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations also occur in people who do not have narcolepsy, more frequently in people who are suffering from extreme lack of sleep. Cataplexy is generally considered to be unique to narcolepsy.

In most cases, the first symptom of narcolepsy to appear is excessive and overwhelming daytime sleepiness. The other symptoms may begin alone or in combination months or years after the onset of the daytime naps. There are wide variations in the development, severity, and order of appearance of cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations in individuals. Only about 20 to 25 percent of people with narcolepsy experience all four symptoms. The excessive daytime sleepiness generally persists throughout life, but sleep paralysis and hypnagogic hallucinations may not.

The symptoms of narcolepsy, especially the excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy, often become severe enough to cause serious problems in a person's social, personal, and professional lives and severely limit activities.

While the cause of narcolepsy has not yet been determined, scientists have discovered conditions that may increase an individual's risk of having the disorder. Specifically, there appears to be a strong link between narcoleptic individuals and certain genetic conditions. One factor that may predispose an individual to narcolepsy involves an area of Chromosome 6 known as the HLA complex. There appears to be a correlation between narcoleptic individuals and certain variations in HLA genes, although it is not required for the condition to occur.

Learning as much about narcolepsy as possible and finding a support system can help patients and families deal with the practical and emotional effects of the disease, possible occupational limitations, and situations that might cause injury. A variety of educational and other materials are available from sleep medicine or narcolepsy organizations. Support groups exist to help persons with narcolepsy and their families.

Narcolepsy - The Management Of A Common Sleep Disorder

Narcolepsy, a chronic and commonly diagnosed sleep disorder, affects over a quarter of a million Americans each year (approximately one person in every two thousand). Characterized by the body's inability to properly regulate sleep, narcolepsy's most obvious symptoms can include cataplexy (involuntary loss of muscle control), "automatic" behaviors (performing regular, mundane tasks by rote), hallucinations and paralysis during sleep.

However, narcolepsy is most commonly associated with the onset of "mini sleeps" or "sleep attacks" during the day. These narcoleptic episodes (often referred to as EDS or excessive daytime sleepiness) occur when the individual is suddenly overcome by the urge to sleep. The resulting state of narcolepsis can pass within a few seconds or it can last for more than half an hour.

Relatively recent medical research identifies narcolepsy as a genetically based sleep regulation disorder that usually emerges during the middle and late teenage years. However, strong evidence also suggests that some forms of the condition can be caused by head trauma or brain injury. Regardless of the cause, because the characteristics of narcolepsy can also be symptomatic of other, similar sleep disorders, a thorough medical evaluation (often including a variety of overnight sleep tests) is required for a correct diagnosis.

Although scientists continue to close in on the genes connected with the onset of narcolepsy, treatments for narcoleptics still vary widely. Common treatments include the use of approved prescription drugs, such as modafinil and selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors like fluoxitine and sertroline, to treat the excessive daytime sleepiness.

In large part however the management of narcolepsy depends upon what appears most effective for the individual, and because no cure exists at this time, the available treatments primarily address the sleep disorder's symptoms.

For most narcoleptics a combination of prescription medications, natural sleep remedies and behavioral strategies prove the best means of effectively managing their narcolepsy. This pro-active approach to dealing with the condition involves simple lifestyle adjustments to enhance the quality and duration of each night's sleep (including dietary changes and the use of regular exercise) as well as actively managed sleep cycles that incorporate short, scheduled naps. A variety of natural sleep remedies can also successfully help narcoleptics manage their condition.

Herbal teas and infusions can effectively help to induce and enhance the body's natural sleep cycle and offer a healthful alternative to sleeping pills. Supplementary melatonin (the hormone produced as part of the body's natural sleep cycle) may also help narcoleptics enjoy a better night's sleep. Guided meditation and relaxation, chromotherapy and aromatherapy can also prove valuable natural enhancements to the successful management of narcolepsy.

What is Narcolepsy?

Do you have unexplained daytime sleepiness? Do you have episodes of weakness triggered by humor or anger? Do you ever have episodes of paralysis or hallucinations, as you are falling asleep or waking-up? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you might have Narcolepsy.

People with narcolepsy typically have one or more of the following symptoms: daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, hallucinations upon falling asleep or waking-up, and poor quality sleep. Except for cataplexy, all of these problems can occur in other sleep disorders like Sleep Apnea.

Cataplexy is unique to narcolepsy. It is a sudden, unexplained weakness or paralysis triggered by emotions. There is no loss of consciousness and these events usually only last for several seconds to a few minutes.

Who Gets Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy occurs in approximately 1 in 2000 people in the general population. It usually occurs spontaneously, but it can also be inherited. Nobody knows why it occurs, but in 2000 it was discovered that people with narcolepsy with cataplexy are missing (or have very little of) a neurotransmitter called hypocretin.

It usually starts in adolescents or early adulthood. Often, it begins with unexplained daytime sleepiness. Later the other common narcolepsy symptoms, as described above, may develop.

I Think I Might Have Narcolepsy, How Do I Find Out If I Have It?

Make an appointment with your primary care physician, or if your insurance allows it, go straight to a sleep specialist. If your physician thinks you might have narcolepsy, then he/she should refer you to a sleep specialist for further evaluation.

How Is Narcolepsy Treated?

Narcolepsy is usually treated with a combination of lifestyle modification and medications. It is important to realize that even with optimal treatment, most people with narcolepsy continue to have a degree of daytime sleepiness.

Behavioral modification involves short naps and proper choice of employment. People with narcolepsy generally do better with jobs that are mentally and physically stimulating rather than sedentary in nature. Employers should be notified that people with narcolepsy may need to take short naps during the course of a workday.

There are two types of medication for narcolepsy: those for daytime sleepiness and those for cataplexy. Medications that help with daytime sleepiness include amphetamines and the newer wake promoting agents like Provigil™. Medications that help with cataplexy are the antidepressants, like Prozac™ and Effexor™. A medication called Xyrem™ helps with both daytime sleepiness and cataplexy. Ask your doctor about what option is right for you.

Steps To Take To Accommodate The Cause And Symptoms Of Narcolepsy

The main characteristic of Narcolepsy is overwhelming excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), even after adequate nighttime sleep. A person with Narcolepsy is likely to become drowsy or to fall asleep, often at inappropriate times and places.

Daytime naps may occur with or without warning and may be irresistible. These naps can occur several times a day. They are typically refreshing, but only for up to a couple hours. Drowsiness may persist for prolonged periods of time. In addition, night-time sleep may be fragmented with frequent wakenings.

Daytime sleepiness, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations also occur in people who do not have Narcolepsy, more frequently in people who are suffering from extreme lack of sleep. Cataplexy is generally considered to be unique to Narcolepsy.

In most cases, the first symptom of Narcolepsy to appear is excessive and overwhelming daytime sleepiness. The other symptoms may begin alone or in combination months or years after the onset of the daytime naps.

There are wide variations in the development, severity, and order of appearance of cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations in individuals. Only about 20 to 25 percent of people with Narcolepsy experience all four symptoms. The excessive daytime sleepiness generally persists throughout life, but sleep paralysis and hypnagogic hallucinations may not.

The symptoms of Narcolepsy, especially the excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy, often become severe enough to cause serious problems in a person's social, personal, and professional lives and severely limit activities.

While the cause of Narcolepsy has not yet been determined, scientists have discovered conditions that may increase an individual's risk of having the disorder. Specifically, there appears to be a strong link between narcoleptic individuals and certain genetic conditions.

One factor that may predispose an individual to Narcolepsy involves an area of Chromosome 6 known as the HLA complex. There appears to be a correlation between narcoleptic individuals and certain variations in HLA genes, although it is not required for the condition to occur.

Learning as much about Narcolepsy as possible and finding a support system can help patients and families deal with the practical and emotional effects of the disease, possible occupational limitations, and situations that might cause injury.

A variety of educational and other materials are available from sleep medicine or Narcolepsy organizations. Support groups exist to help persons with Narcolepsy and their families.