Many people with narcolepsy have more than one sleep disorder. I can’t have narcolepsy because I have obstructive sleep apnea. Most people with narcolepsy have trouble sleeping and may wake up repeatedly during the night. I can’t have narcolepsy because I have trouble sleeping at night. When the total amount of sleep per day is added up, people with narcolepsy may not sleep more than people with narcolepsy. I can’t have narcolepsy because I’m not spending the whole day asleep. Changes in lifestyle can help make sure that you have the best schedule for controlling your narcolepsy. Some people take certain types of antidepressants to help with cataplexy. Many people take stimulating medications that help them stay awake during the day. Medication is often used to treat narcolepsy. This requires a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). Hypocretin Level Measurement: In rare cases, the level of hypocretin is measured in a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. Data is collected on how quickly you fall asleep. Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT): This test takes place in a sleep lab where you take naps at set times during the day. Data is collected about your sleep that will let the sleep physician make a diagnosis. In-lab sleep study: You may be referred to a sleep centre for an overnight stay to monitor your sleep. Some of the tests that can help to determine if you have narcolepsy include: He or she may refer you to a sleep specialist. If you think that you have this disorder, speak with your health care provider. Many people do not know that they have narcolepsy. Studies show that people with untreated narcolepsy are ten times more likely to get into car accidents than people with treated narcolepsy. Ask your health care provider about the laws in your province. The laws about driving with narcolepsy are different in each province. Narcolepsy is a lifelong condition, however, with the right treatment most people can manage their narcolepsy well.ĭriving when your narcolepsy is untreated can be very dangerous. Recent studies suggest that people with narcolepsy with cataplexy often are missing a substance called Hypocretin. Narcolepsy runs in some families, but most cases are not genetic. What causes Narcolepsy and how long will it last? Other disorders that may cause excessive daytime sleepiness include: Sleep Paralysis: People with sleep paralysis lose the ability to move and feel paralyzed when they’re falling asleep or waking up. Hallucinations: While falling asleep or waking up, people with narcolepsy may have intense, dream-like hallucinations. When people who have narcolepsy with cataplexy are laughing or angry, their cataplexy might show up as slight pressure on their eyelids, or it could be more serious and cause them to fall down. After a brief nap, people will feel alert, but the sleepiness usually returns after one or two hours.Ĭataplexy is muscle weakness that can range from barely noticeable to severe and is often triggered by strong emotions. The sleepiness is difficult to prevent and may vary over the course of the day. Sleepiness may occur during many different activities, including talking with others or driving. The main symptom of narcolepsy is excessive daytime sleepiness. People with excessive daytime sleepiness are tired during the day even when they have had a full nights sleep. Symptoms usually begin when patients are between 10 and 20 years old. If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you may have narcolepsy. Ask yourself the following questions: Have you had the sudden urge to sleep during the day, even if you are getting enough sleep at night? Have you fallen asleep while working, eating or speaking with someone? Have you felt alert after a brief nap, but then the alertness quickly changes to sleepiness?
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