Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a neurological sleep disorder which causes severe daytime sleepiness. People suffering from narcolepsy experience sudden uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep. Narcolepsy usually occurs between the ages of 15 to 25, but can become apparent at any age. As the condition is often undiagnosed, it usually fails to receive treatment.
Symptoms
Narcolepsy has some common symptoms experienced by those suffering from the condition but every person may not have all the symptoms at the same time.
The signs of narcolepsy include:
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Cataplexy: Temporary and sudden loss of muscle tone and voluntary muscle control triggered by emotions like anger, surprise or laughter
• Hallucinations
• Sleep paralysis: Inability to move or speak for a few minutes while falling asleep or waking up
Management of narcolepsy
Narcolepsy treatment includes lifestyle changes and routine formations. Some ways to help manage narcolepsy include:
• Maintaining a sleep routine allowing seven to eight hours of sleep every night
• Scheduling two 15-minute naps during the day
• Avoiding heavy meals and alcohol consumption as they interrupt sleep
• Regular exercising
• Avoiding drives when one feels drowsy.
