Introduction
Narcolepsy is a sleep-wake disorder characterized by sleep attacks. These attacks occur in daytime and patients with narcolepsy can do little to overcome them.
Cause
The exact cause of narcolepsy is unknown. It is probably a combination of genetic and environmental factors which develops to narcolepsy. Scientific research has shown that almost all people with narcolepsy have a lack of a substance in the brains called hypocretine.
Symptoms
A person with narcolepsy suffers from daytime sleepiness with short sleep periods.
The sleep attacks usually last between 10 and 30 minutes. The patient just falls asleep when he is doing something. The attacks mainly occur during or after meals, quiet, sedentary activities, but can also occur at other times. Usually one feels the onset of sleep is coming.
Other symptoms
Other symptoms of narcolepsy are:
* Poor and restless sleep at night
* Sudden short-term muscle paralysis (cataplexy), allowing for example that the head falls forward, or someone drops to his knees
* When in sleep, sleep paralysis can occur. This is when someone is still conscious but can not move
* Hallucinations, vivid dreams that are very likely directly involved in sleep and act as a very frightening experience
There are also some other more general symptoms such as concentration and memory disorders and blurred vision occur. Also there can be something called “automatic behavior”, this is when they did things they can not remember anymore after a sleep attack.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of narcolepsy is not always easy. Based on the complaints and the fact that such phenomena can occur in multiple family members makes it suspicious.
Before the diagnosis narcolepsy can be made – more common – sleep disorders have to be excluded. Examples include obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (characterized by frequent night awakenings and snoring), insomnia and depression.
Confirmation of the diagnosis
The diagnosis of narcolepsy can be confirmed through additional research. Often this research begins to fill in a questionnaire on the symptoms and he will keep a diary. After that it could be decided to measure the brain activity during day and night with the use of a electroencephalogram (EEC) In some cases, blood tests may be necessary. Such sleep studies are usually conducted in a special clinic for sleep disorders.
Treatment
Although the disease can not be cured, there are several drugs available that can control the symptoms of narcolepsy and enables a personal, social and professional life as best possible result. Medications used for this purpose are derived substances like amphetamines, and antidepressants.There are also medicines for any additional symptoms. The treatment is always best when consulting a sleep-wake disorders specialist doctor.
It is also advised trying to adapt to the restrictions of Narcolepsy. Try to take in account with what you are doing that a sleep attack could happen any moment.
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