What if your mind was always in a perpetual state of being awake and being asleep at the same time? As humans, we have distinctive cycles for being awake and being asleep, i.e., when we’re awake, we’re awake.
However, there is one disorder that changes all that. It blurs the line between your sleep cycles. We’re talking about a neurological disorder called Narcolepsy. For people who suffer from narcolepsy, their life always seems to be caught between the two states of being awake or asleep, wherein, they may slip into either at any point in time.
We understand that it sounds like a dreadful disease. So, we decided to inform you everything about narcolepsy, including the causes of narcolepsy, the symptoms of narcolepsy and some effective treatments of narcolepsy. Take a look:
What Is Narcolepsy?
Like we discussed above, it is a neurological disorder and is characterized by the brain’s inability to take control over the sleep cycle of a person. For someone who suffers from narcolepsy, we will tell you that they suffer from chronic sleepiness during the day, and also have to endure sudden ‘sleep attacks’ at any point of time in a day. It is a dangerous disorder due to the simple fact that a person from narcolepsy can go into sleep anytime, even while he/she is driving. Narcolepsy is one of the most common sleep disorders in the world.
(Image Courtesy: Yellow Pages)
Let’s understand what causes narcolepsy.
Causes Of Narcolepsy
Unfortunately, scientists are yet to find a concrete explanation as to why narcolepsy is caused. However, people diagnosed with narcolepsy tend to have a decreased number of neurotransmitter hypocretin. This neurotransmitter is responsible to promote wakefulness in a person. Also, narcolepsy doesn’t seem to be a hereditary disorder. Doctors say that some form of head injury can also lead to the sleeping disorder.
A person who is suffering from narcolepsy shows certain symptoms. Let’s take note of that.
(Image Courtesy: Narcolepsy)
Symptoms Of Narcolepsy
There are some major symptoms of narcolepsy. Take a look:
#1. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS)
Just like the name suggests, in case you find yourself sleeping excessively during the day, then you might be suffering from narcolepsy. You generally feel a mental cloudiness, and then go off to sleep without any prior warning.
(Image Courtesy: NY Metro Sleep)
#2. Sleep Paralysis
If a person is unable to speak, or move while falling asleep or just wake up from sleep, it is called sleep paralysis. In case you suffer from sleep paralysis, there are high chances that you might be suffering from narcolepsy too.
#3. Hallucinations
If you have recurring hallucinations that force you to sleep, you might be suffering from narcolepsy.
(Image Courtesy: YouTube)
Tests For Narcolepsy
There are a few ways in which one can know if he/she is suffering from narcolepsy. The two most prominent ones are Polysomnogram (PSG) and Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). These studies help the doctor in concluding if you have narcolepsy or not.
(Image Courtesy: Understanding Symptoms)
Treatments For Narcolepsy
Unfortunately, there are no sure shot ways of treating narcolepsy. However, there are a few medications that you can take on the prescription of your doctor that might help you in being awake during the day. These may include stimulants and antidepressants.
Talking of natural ways to treat narcolepsy, your best bet would be to take short naps during the day. Also, keep a constant sleep schedule and follow it religiously. Talk to people who can comfort you and bring about a psychological change in you.
So there you have it. All you had to know about narcolepsy. If you found this article informative, let us know in the comments below.
(Featured Image Courtesy: ACNR)
Share
