Everything you need to know about narcolepsy, a sleep disorder
Also known as excessive uncontrollable daytime sleepiness, narcolepsy is a chronic sleeping disorder that affects your ability to sleep and wake up and you end up suffering from uncontrollable sleepiness during the day. This neurological condition can lead to sudden sleep attacks at any time of the day and while doing any type of activity. Here's more you need to know about the condition.
What is narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a rare long-term brain condition that makes the patient fall asleep suddenly at inappropriate times as the brain is unable to regulate sleeping and waking patterns normally. About 20,000 Americans, males and females equally, have been affected by this condition.
What are the types of narcolepsy?
Check out these two different types of narcolepsy: Type 1 narcolepsy: Also called narcolepsy with cataplexy, this type of narcolepsy causes excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, and low levels of hypocretin (a brain chemical) in patients. Type 2 narcolepsy- Also called narcolepsy without cataplexy, this type causes daytime sleepiness without any cataplexy condition. Patients also have normal levels of hypocretin in this type.
Here's what our expert says
Narcolepsy is a condition in which one's body is unable to regulate sleep, particularly Rapid Eye Movement sleep. This results in the person suffering from sudden bouts of sleepiness during the day during any activity, with or without loss of muscle tone in the body. At night it can present as night terrors, vivid waking dreams, hallucinations, or sleep paralysis.
Causes behind the condition
People affected with narcolepsy have a loss of hypocretin, a neurotransmitter in the brain. Narcolepsy can be caused due to an autoimmune disorder, a family history associated with this condition, or even a brain injury or trauma that can affect REM sleep and wakefulness. Infections and environmental toxins like pesticides, passive smoking, and heavy metals can also cause this condition.
Symptoms of narcolepsy
One of the most common symptoms of narcolepsy includes excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) which can affect your daily activities. EDS can cause mental cloudiness, lack of energy, and exhaustion. Narcolepsy causes disrupted nighttime sleep, sleep paralysis, and hallucinations. You can even experience cataplexy which causes loss of muscle tone brought on by strong emotions of anger, laughter, stress, surprise, fear, etc.
Treatment for this condition
Incorporating changes in your lifestyle like a healthy diet, regular sleeping patterns, and keeping stress away can help with the condition. You can have medications for EDS and for staying awake during the day. Avoid alcohol, and caffeine, several hours before bedtime and quit smoking. Exercise at least 20 minutes daily and avoid consuming large and heavy meals or excess liquids close to bedtime.
