Conditions Treated | Narcolepsy
What is Narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden, uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep during the day. People with narcolepsy often experience sleep attacks—a sudden, overwhelming need to sleep that can occur at any time, even during activities like talking, eating, or driving.
Signs and Symptoms of Narcolepsy
Common symptoms of narcolepsy include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS): The most prominent symptom, where individuals feel extremely tired throughout the day, regardless of how much sleep they get at night.
- Cataplexy: A sudden loss of muscle tone triggered by strong emotions like laughter, anger, or surprise. This can range from mild weakness in the knees to complete collapse.
- Sleep paralysis: The temporary inability to move or speak when falling asleep or waking up, often accompanied by vivid hallucinations.
- Hallucinations: These may occur when falling asleep (hypnagogic hallucinations) or waking up (hypnopompic hallucinations), causing vivid and often frightening visions or sensations.
- Disrupted nighttime sleep: While individuals with narcolepsy often experience excessive daytime sleepiness, they may also have fragmented sleep at night, waking up frequently.
Causes of Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic factors and environmental triggers. It is most commonly associated with a deficiency in a brain chemical called hypocretin (or orexin), which helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. The lack of hypocretin leads to difficulties in staying awake during the day and sleeping well at night.
While the exact cause of hypocretin deficiency is still being studied, researchers believe that narcolepsy may result from an autoimmune reaction where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the cells that produce this important neurotransmitter.
Diagnosis of Narcolepsy
If you experience symptoms of narcolepsy, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. Diagnosing narcolepsy typically involves:
- A thorough medical history and evaluation of symptoms
- A polysomnography (overnight sleep study) to assess your sleep patterns
- A multiple sleep latency test (MSLT), which measures how quickly you fall asleep during the day and helps confirm excessive daytime sleepiness
Treatment Options for Narcolepsy
- Wake promoting medications
- Sodium oxybate: This medication is often used to treat both excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy in individuals with narcolepsy.
- Lifestyle adjustments: Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, taking short naps throughout the day, and avoiding triggers like stress or alcohol can help manage symptoms.
Why Seek Treatment for Narcolepsy?
Untreated narcolepsy can have a significant impact on daily functioning, affecting work, relationships, and overall quality of life. It can also be dangerous, especially if sleep attacks occur while performing activities like driving or operating heavy machinery. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help control symptoms and allow individuals to lead productive, healthy lives.