What Is

Narcolepsy?

Mathew and Maddy

nar·co·lep·sy[nahr-kuh-lep-see] noun Pathology. a condition characterized by frequent and uncontrollable periods of deep sleep.

Narcolepsy effects 1 in every 2,000 people.

“Since narcolepsy is often poorly misunderstood by the public, many patients are mistakenly labeled as lazy, depressed or unmotivated.” –psychologytoday.com

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is experienced by all narcolepsy patients.

EDS is a symptom that causes patients to become drowsy at any point in the day.

In addition to having EDS, many narcoleptics suffer from disturbed nighttime sleep. Their sleep is broken up and un-restorative.

Cataplexy affects 50% of patients with Narcolepsy: a sudden loss of muscle strength caused by a strong emotion.

Hypnagogic hallucinations (HH) a common misdiagnosis for psychiatric illness.

HH happens when people are falling asleep or waking up. They are uncontrollable vivid hallucinations

Sleep paralysis (SP) happens to many people with or without narcolepsy.

SP is a brief loss of muscle control when first waking up or falling asleep. Patients are mentally awake, but they can’t speak or move.

Automatic Behaviors (sleep walking, etc.) are not as common as the other symptoms but affect many other patients.

When narcoleptics doze off, they continue to do what they were doing. (driving, cooking, etc.)

Narcolepsy patients may also have problems with attention/memory, headaches, weight loss, and may also have other sleep disorders.

Most patients don’t get a diagnosis for 10-15 years after their symptoms appear.

There are a number of medications available that can help target specific symptoms of narcolepsy.

Medication management for narcolepsy typically does not suffice unless combined with behavioral strategies.

Keeping a regular sleep and nap schedule, noting when they’re most alert, strategic use of caffeine, avoiding alcohol, avoiding insomnia-inducing activities (lying in bed) can help control the symptoms.

There is not yet a cure for narcolepsy. However, a proper medication and behavioral management plan can help lessen the frequency and severity of the symptoms. –psychologytoday.com