What is Narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder that affects the control of sleep and wakefulness, and is characterized by overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep. People with narcolepsy often find it difficult to stay awake for long periods of time, regardless of the circumstances.
Narcolepsy can cause serious disruptions in your daily routine. Sometimes, narcolepsy can be accompanied by a sudden loss of muscle tone (cataplexy), which can be triggered by strong emotion.
People with narcolepsy may have other sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea- a condition in which breathing starts and stops throughout the night- restless legs syndrome and even insomnia.
What Causes Narcolepsy?
The cause of narcolepsy is unknown; however, certain genes may be associated with this disorder.
What Are the Symptoms of Narcolepsy?
Symptoms of narcolepsy include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS)
Whether or not an induvial with narcolepsy has sufficient sleep at night, he or she feels excessive sleepy. - Cataplexy
This symptom consists of a sudden loss of muscle tone that leads to feelings of weakness and a loss of voluntary muscle control. It can cause symptoms ranging from slurred speech to total body collapse and is often triggered by intense emotions such as surprise, laughter, fear or anger. Not everyone with narcolepsy experiences cataplexy. - Hallucinations
Usually, these experiences are vivid and frequently frightening. These hallucinations are called hypnagogic hallucinations if they happen as you fall asleep and hypnopompic hallucinations if they occur upon waking. - Sleep paralysis
People with narcolepsy often experience a temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or upon waking. This symptom involves the temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up. Not everyone with sleep paralysis has narcolepsy, and in fact, many people without narcolepsy experience some episodes of sleep paralysis.
How Is Narcolepsy Diagnosed?
Two tests to confirm a diagnosis of narcolepsy are the polysomnogram (overnight sleep study) and the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT).
How Is Narcolepsy Treated?
Excessive daytime sleepiness can be controlled in most people with drug treatment, though there is no cure for narcolepsy.
Lifestyle adjustments such as regular sleep schedules, a short daytime nap, and exercise may also help to reduce symptoms.
