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 unrestorative.
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