Categorized as a neurological disorder, narcolepsy interferes with your brain’s ability to control sleep and wakefulness. Those who suffer from narcolepsy may feel excessively sleepy during the day and might be unable to control their ability to stay awake during the day. Someone with narcolepsy can suddenly fall asleep during any type of activity, including driving.
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Normally, the typical sleep cycle begins for most people with a lighter sleep stage before progressing to a deeper sleep. After about 90 minutes, you normally enter rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. It is during REM sleep that you dream and experience muscle paralysis, which is a protective mechanism from your brain that occurs while you are sleeping.
Someone that has narcolepsy will almost immediately enter REM sleep, not only when he or she goes to bed at night, but throughout their waking hours. Narcolepsy will usually strike young adults between 15 to 25 years of age. It is not completely understood why narcolepsy occurs, but scientists suspect that its cause might be genetic. Certain genes control the production of hypocretin, a chemical in the brain that regulates your sleep and awake cycles.
Symptoms of narcolepsy include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). You might seem to always feel completely exhausted and have mental cloudiness, even if you have had sufficient sleep at night.
- Sleep paralysis. You might briefly feel unable to move or speak while you are falling asleep or as you wake up.
- Cataplexy. You may suddenly feel weak and lose control of your voluntary muscles. Your voice may slur when this happens or your body can completely collapse.
- Hallucinations. Narcolepsy sufferers may experience alarming visual hallucinations when falling asleep or while waking up.
How is Narcolepsy Treated?
If you or a family member show signs of having narcolepsy, it is important to speak to your doctor about your concerns. To properly diagnose narcolepsy, you will need a physical exam and usually testing at a sleep disorder clinic. Doctors determine whether a patient has narcolepsy using two tests, the polysomnogram (PSG) and the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT)
There is no cure for narcolepsy, but its symptoms can be managed by medication, including stimulants or antidepressants. Lifestyle changes may also control symptoms, including no smoking, alcohol, or caffeine. Establishing a schedule of daytime naps, exercise, and regular meal times can also help manage narcolepsy symptoms.
