Signs of Narcolepsy: Top Signs That You May Have the Disease

September 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Narcolepsy is a strange neurological disorder with conditions of excessive sleepiness during the daytime; it is a condition that also causes muscle weakness. This disorder generally begins at the age of 15 to 25 years and can cause Cataplexy (muscle weakness), Hallucinations (vivid dreams occurring while asleep) and sleep paralysis (where the sufferer cannot move or speak, and which might last for few minutes after the sleep attack).

Narcolepsy Diagnosis

Narcolepsy is a rare and a complex neurological disorder that is commonly misdiagnosed. A doctor will assess the symptoms of this problem very easily by conducting certain laboratory tests as well as going through the patients’ history. A person who has this disorder can fall asleep frequently irrespective of the time and place.

Generally, an overnight polysomnogram is used for monitoring the person during the sleep and it also records the necessary details about the patient’s brain waves, eye movements, body position, heart rate, breathing or the muscle activity. A genetic blood test would also be taken if needed.

The multiple sleep latency test is usually taken from the patient in the day times. The other tests include Hypocretin test which tests the Hypocretin fluid present in the spinal cord using a lumbar puncture. When there are low levels of this fluid, people get Narcolepsy which promotes wakefulness.

It can be difficult to diagnose this condition if the signs and symptoms of Narcolepsy are very mild. At times, it might take even ten to fifteen years to diagnose since the symptoms get pronounced gradually. Thus, based on the patient’s family and medical history, laboratory test results, and by physical examination, the doctors could diagnose Narcolepsy in an individual.

Narcolepsy Risk Factors

The actual root cause of Narcolepsy is not known, however scientists have identified that it occurs by a genetic mutation, which results in abnormal sleeping patterns. The genetic cells control the brain chemicals that are responsible for sleeping cycles. Certain scientists proved that Narcolepsy occurs due to the presence of low levels of the Hypocretin (fluid that surrounds the spinal cord).

The Hypocretin fluid plays a major role in regulating the wakefulness and the sleeping patterns in an individual. Thus, there are numerous factors like hereditary, infections, brain injuries, auto immune disorders or low levels of histamine that contribute to interact between REM sleeping disturbances and the neurological dysfunction.

Many genetic factors largely contribute to the causes of Narcolepsy and around eight to ten percent of people having this disorder tend to have other victims in the family. However, it is not be the only factor but is usually combined with other immune problems. Sometimes even the environmental toxic substances like pesticides, weed killers and other chemicals contribute to the causes of Narcolepsy.

This neurological disorder affects both men and women, and usually the symptom starts to appear from the teenage but it’s quite rare to be found in children under five years of age. This disorder is considered to be a lifelong condition, but some narcoleptics can change their lifestyle with proper guidance and thus greatly improve the way that the condition presents in their day to day lives.

Narcolepsy Symptoms

Usually, the Narcolepsy disorder may be diagnosed at a very later stage with the symptoms such as cataplexy, hallucinations, sleep paralysis, micro sleep, and night time wakefulness, rapid entry into REM sleep and many other signs and symptoms.

The most common symptoms among them are cataplexy (muscle weakness) and extreme day time sleepiness. The patients affected with Narcolepsy tend to get these signs and symptoms when they experience deep emotional state of happiness, frustration, sadness or excitement. The symptoms may vary from person to person.

Cataplexy is a muscle weakness where there is a sudden loss of muscle tone in their body which is normally triggered by strong emotions. Hallucinations are vivid dreams that may be very sensual or frightening which occurs when they are awaken or at sleep.

Sleep Paralysis is a condition where the person is unable to move the body or unable to speak at the stage of awakening. The Micro sleep is a very short sleep that occurs less than five minutes when the person is involved in an activity.

Nighttime wakefulness is a condition where people are continuously awake the whole night, complete with fast heart rates and intense alertness. The Rapid entry into REM sleep is a condition where the person immediately reaches this stage once he falls asleep but usually it might take about ninety minutes for most of the people.

These symptoms might be either mild or even severe depending on the individual. There would be an automatic behavior of the persons affected with this disorder like falling asleep while eating or in the midst of any other activity.

Narcolepsy – Stages of the Disease

Usually, each patient affected by the Narcolepsy disorder has different symptoms that vary from person to person. The various stages involved in this disorder occur in various aspects of life. Most commonly, the physical well being of a person gets affected as he might unexpectedly fall asleep in the midst of activities like working, walking, driving, and cooking, which could be quite dangerous.

The mental health of a person is affected, which leads to depression, anxiety or stress. This can affect the social and professional relationships as well. One may think that the people affected by Narcolepsy are lazy by nature but this is not so. Due to extreme tiredness and sleepiness, impotency and low sex drive is often experienced by the victims of Narcolepsy. Even the memory and the attentive power is affected which results in forgetting things frequently.

Conclusion

There is no cure for the Narcolepsy disorder but the people affected by it can bring in some significant changes to their lifestyle and lead a better life. With proper medical help and guidance, patients can improve their alertness and can enjoy an active life by reducing their symptoms.

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Narcolepsy Support Groups: Help is Here for You

September 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Introduction:

Before jumping into a discussion of the various groups assisting Narcolepsy patients, it is important to mention the disease itself briefly. Narcolepsy is a neurological disease, which leads to various physical as well as psychological disorders. The symptoms range from acute sleeping disorder (with patients falling asleep during the day irrespective of the time and place) in spite of a sound sleep at night to acute concoctions and emotional outbursts. Various social feelings such as humor, excitement and even emotional moments with the dearest and nearest one can trigger off cataplectic attacks. As a result of this, the patients face psychological disorders and gradually withdraw themselves from the social life. They are often regarded as blunt, indiscipline and unmotivated. At times, this can be life-threatening as well. Various support groups have emerged all over the world to provide patients of Narcolepsy all the necessary medical assistance. They are helping victims to overcome the disease and lead a normal life once again.

Support Groups:

The Narcolepsy Support Group is a community that is primarily comprised of people with a history of Narcolepsy and family members and friends of Narcolepsy patients dedicated to dealing with Narcolepsy, together. The first and foremost thing that a patient of Narcolepsy needs is empathy instead of sympathy. While unnecessary sympathy may become frustrating, empathizing with a patient will make them mentally stronger and provide the strength needed to fight the disease. Here is where the Narcolepsy Support Groups play a very handy role. The patients or their family members can always come in contact with any of these support groups and share their problems without any hesitation. Apart from that, when contacted, these groups can provide the patient the necessary information about the nature of treatment they will need and the places where they can get themselves treated.

The Way they Work:

Generally, the Narcolepsy Support Groups gather the email addresses, phone number, age, sex, how the disease was diagnosed, for how long he or she has been suffering, what exactly are the symptoms and other information about the patients and maintain a database. They  then contact the doctors and psychologists and take their guidance in setting up their operations. With advice from the doctors they arrange interactive sessions of funs, slide shows of various types of colorful photographs, pictures and paintings etc. They have the option of inviting the patients to write on various Narcolepsy-related topics. They also ask them to share various interesting food recipe, games, and indulge in discussing different current events in the websites.

The main idea is to make the patients feel at ease and happy and also helping them to have an open mind to adopt different opinions, points of views and thereby remove the mental blockage that has developed in the back of their minds.

It’s common for people working in shifts (especially in factories, call centers, hospitals) in a 24×7 work profile to be more prone to this disease. For the Narcolepsy patients, medicines are not the only way out. While the medicines, to some extent, decrease the severity of the disease, in maximum number of instances, it’s seen that the medicines tend to have certain side effects which cannot be ignored. Hence, there is ardent need of a very strict dieting habit and some basic physical as well as mental exercises. The Narcolepsy Support Groups provide the guidance in dieting and even run a course on various physical and mental exercises in accordance to the age and sex of the patient and on the severity of the disease.

Apart from all these already mentioned activities, other objectives of the Narcolepsy Support Groups can be jotted down in the following fashion:

  • Since there are a number of support groups operating virtually all over the world, they serve as a centre of excellence for a particular place, thereby assisting the patients. This is particularly helpful for patients staying in the rural areas who do not have access to world-class medical treatment very quickly.
  • Like many social organizations taking care of other diseases like AIDS and Leprosy, these groups also contribute extensively in educating the families and healthcare professionals about Narcolepsy
  • Constantly maintain and develop themselves so as to fulfill the need of the patients at any given point in time
  • Make Narcolepsy patients aware of their rights and privileges they are entitled to enjoy
  • Serve the patient in the hour of their need by providing the best possible treatment

There are innumerable support groups working tirelessly all over the world and they are easily available in the net. Hence, it is advisable, whenever someone develops symptoms of Narcolepsy or is diagnosed with the disease, the patient or any of their family members should contact any of these groups and take a friendly advice from them. May be, it will help the patient to overcome this disease quickly. Remember, medication is not the only way out. There are various methods of alternative treatments the patient can be guided through by these support groups. Hence, be frank and free to contact them and disclose your problem without any hesitation before it is all too late.

Conclusion:

With human life getting more and more hectic, every day, people or better to say their body clock and metabolic system is finding it harder and harder to come in terms with them resulting various diseases like Narcolepsy. However, with the tremendous development of medical science over the last few decades or so, new avenues of diagnoses are being explored. For example, the development of genetic map has indeed been a shot in the arm so far as the treatment of neurological diseases is concerned. Who knows, those days are not far away, when the evil of this highly embarrassing and dangerous disease will be eradicated form the face of this world for ever. Whatever happens, the contribution of these support groups can never be ignored and they will be regarded as one of the pioneers in eradicating the disease.

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Narcolepsy Diet: Best Diet Choices for Narcolepsy

September 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

What is Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a disease that causes serious sleeping disorders to rise to the surface. At any time (especially during the day) narcolepsy victims experience sleep attack. Irrespective of time and place the sleep attack creates an embarrassing situation. Most Narcolepsy patients are depressed and hesitate to join in at any social or family events. This sleeping disorder can be threat for their professional life too. However, with more improved medical treatments and other therapies it is quite easy to heal diseases like cancer and others. Just a few changes in lifestyle and other practices can dramatically help to restore normalcy in a patient’s life.

Find out if you really suffer from Narcolepsy

A Narcoleptic patient has to go through two different levels of testing. This is the basic diagnosis of Narcolepsis. At the first level you go through a kind of Sonography. Polysogram is the first level. During this test more than two dozen electrodes are attached to different part of the body like nose, hand, abdomen and others. They transfer data to polysonogrph that records all the information. This helps the experienced professionals to diagnose the disease properly.

In the second level, the test will be on MLST or multiple sleep latency. This particular tool is used to record the time gap of daytime naps.

If you experience the effects of a sleeping disorder frequently, don’t ignore those symptoms. Often people consider them as general symptoms and later face severe difficulties in personal and professional life. When you have the option to prevent it, then why not start as soon as possible.

Take care of your food habits

For Narcoleptics, it is not good to drink alcohol. It is kind of depressant that weakens the nervous system and creates feelings of drowsiness. Therefore, for better sleep when it is an appropriate time to do so, it is best to avoid alcohol or any nicotine.

There are several side effects of sleepless nights. If you are not able to sleep properly at night, you won’t be able to work properly or concentrate on anything; this can result in other serious symptoms. Good sleep can enhance the working capacity of your brain. Thus don’t suppress it with alcohol or other intoxicants and try to sleep peacefully at night.

Not only do alcohol or caffeine affect sleep, but there are also specific dietary habits that can have a long-term effect on your sleep. Your food habits require changes if you experience sleeping disorder symptoms on a frequent basis. High protein or high-energy foods are good for those who suffer form the condition. It is also best to avoid junks or spicy food. This type of food affects the metabolism and the digestive system of your body and can result in Narcolepsy attacks. Try to eat a heavy meal at least five hours before you go to sleep. Don’t exercise after a heavy meal. If you can walk for fifteen or twenty minutes after your meals, it would definitely help you to sleep well at night. Drink water after an hour or two of eating food. You can also consult a nutritionist to get suggestions on a better, more helpful diet.

Many Narcoleptic people wake up at night to have something and they can’t sleep again until they eat. This is why majority of Narcoleptics end up gaining weight. When they wake up between sleep cycles, they are totally oblivious what had happened before. Still, a clue from the kitchen can help them to remember the whole scenario. It is not that they are hungry or they have the appetite to eat something. People facing this issue should try to stay away from food when they don’t need it. It won’t be very easy to avoid it at an advanced stage. Often you will fail to control the situation. Still if you try it now, you are bound to succeed once a positive habit has been formed.

Change your sleeping habit

As it is has been said earlier, sleeping disorders are the primary symptom of Narcolepsy. To prevent sleep attacks, a good, deep sleep at night is very important. After a certain time at night, forget all your office works or any other issues, no matter how important they are. If you want a productive morning, utilize the night. Try to sleep and awake at the same time every day. Sleep in dark and quiet room. For better sleep, try something that relaxes you. Drinking lukewarm milk or bathing in a warn tub before going to bed are some things worth mentioning. Narcolepsy patients can’t sleep for a long time at a stretch. In order to sleep properly, take a break of twenty minute. If it still doesn’t work, then read some books or magazines until you feel sleepy.

A daytime nap is good relief for Narcoleptics. Plan your daytime schedule so that you can get at least 15 to 20 minutes to take a nap. To avoid sleeping frequently during office hours, daytime napping is the best alternative, and some work environments may even have areas that would be convenient and discreet for taking a quick catnap while on break.

Regular exercise is good for Narcoleptics

Don’t forget to exercise regularly. It is well known that many Narcoleptics have been helped by yoga and other exercise forms. If you find it difficult to exercise, a brisk walk in the morning can be of great help. Exercise or walking increases the body strength and improves the metabolism of your body. Thus you can remain active during the day and enjoy a sound sleep at night.

Narcolepsy is not an incurable disease. If you can change your lifestyle, you can soon come out of it and you can also go for medication and natural therapies to get added relief. There are several holistic practices available that can help too. No matter what method you follow, practice it properly. Listen to what your doctor or mentor or nutritionist advises you, and don’t try to do it all on your own.

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Narcolepsy: A Few words on the disease

September 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

It is often seen that at many people fall asleep during the day and that also on a frequent basis. This may be a result of tiredness or exhaustion and there is nothing abnormal in it. However, there are people who experience sleepy phases on a regular basis – according to medical science, they are victims of Narcolepsy. In short, Narcolepsy is a severe sleeping disorder. You yourself don’t know when and where you will fall asleep. However, there are numerous options to beat the attack and get rid of Narcolepsy.

The telltale signs of Narcolepsy

Frequent sleep attacks are the prime symptom of narcolepsy. Even when you sleep peacefully at night, you can experience an attack. In case of severe narcolepsy, people often fall asleep involuntarily. They don’t get time to think where they are and what they are doing before falling asleep. Not only does this result in embarrassment in a victim’s professional life but their personal life too get messy. Though the attack stays from few seconds to thirty minutes, it can be enough to damage the social lives of victims. Most of the narcoleptics wakes up at night. According to research many of them can’t even determine the exact time gap between their sleeping phases and the time for which they remain awake. To explain the particular symptom it is to say that they go through a rich REM stage while sleeping. Normal people also go through the stage, but not so frequently as Narcoleptics. There are other symptoms of Narcolepsy. But these may or may not be observed in every Narcoleptics. Cataplexy, Sleep paralysis and Hypnologic dreams are some of them.

According to recent reviews, 350,000 of Americans suffer from Narcolepsy, whereas only 50,000 have been diagnosed properly. If the scenario remains same in the coming years, then Narcolepsy will come into the category of the most devastating disease like Parkinson’s disease and others. We know that Narcolepsy symptoms are experienced mostly during the day time. Adolescents or adults are more vulnerable to the disease when compared with the infants. Actually, it is very rare to find victims below the age of 5 years. Irrespective of the age, a proper diagnosis of Narcolepsy can save anyone from its dangerous effects.

A PSG, or polysonogram, is a overnight sleep recording test is the proper diagnosis method for Narcolepsy. Information from this test assists sleep experts in prescribing the exact remedy for their patients. So if you are experiencing any of the symptoms then consult your doctor and go for a test.

But how do you get rid of this embarrassing disease?

If you have gone through a proper diagnosis, it is not very difficult to find whether you have Narcolepsy or not. Prior to going for any meditation or other therapies, try to bring some changes to your lifestyle. It is known that in addition to medication, an organized and scheduled lifestyle proves effective in providing long-term relief to Narcolepsy patients. Stress as well as work related pressure would always be there but still you have to learn how to manage them without affecting your health. Six hours of sleep is a must if you want to avoid Narcolepsy symptoms. To sleep tight at night, take your dinner at least five hours before going to bed. Try to sleep in a dark and noise-free room. Narcolepsy patients can’t sleep for longer hours at a stretch and tend to wake up frequently. If you experience such breaks in your sleep then wait for twenty minutes as you might feel sleepy again or you can practice reading books – a sure shot method to exercise your eyes and brains and eventually fall asleep.

Do you feel hungry when you wake up at night? Avoid this habit right now as it can result in complete sleep loss. Nocturnal eating habits can greatly affect existing Narcolepsy symptoms. Try to change the habit as soon as you can. Else you will grow flabby and there will be no chance to cure the narcolepsy symptom. Eating during the night can be a difficult habit to get rid of, but definitely not impossible. Older people are facing this problem more than the younger ones. Due to irregular lifestyle and ill practices like cigarette and alcohol consumption, they tend to experience sleepless nights and eventually can become a victim of Narcolepsy or can exacerbate existing symptoms of the condition.

Medical facts regarding Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a curable disease. Research in the field of Narcolepsy has resulted in the successful invention of different stimulants and anti depressants to keep Narcolepsy patients awake and active. Modafinil is one of the stimulants that help the Narcoleptics lead normal life like others. In case of old stimulants, people used to get addicted to it sooner. In case of this stimulant, the risk is lesser. This particular stimulant is free of side effects. Thus, if you want faster result, then opt for Modafinil. Or you can avail the antidepressants like sodium oxybate or fluexotine.

However, when medication is used, there is always a risk of side effects. Most of the stimulants and antidepressants are high power medicines that affect the nervous system. Soon it becomes a practice of maintenance and habit instead of a true cure. After a certain time, a patient finds it difficult to sleep at night or start the day without popping a pill. To avoid all these hazards, it is better to go for natural or holistic treatments. Natural treatments include exercise or yoga therapy. Even regular walks can help you to sleep peacefully at night. Holistic treatment calms the mind. If you have strong body and a calm mind, you can easily combat a disease, including Narcolepsy.

There are many things to know about Narcolepsy, which researchers are still working upon. It is still not clear why only a few people experience this severe attack. Experts are still in search of the primary elements that cause the disease. Once it is done, we are sure to find a permanent cure for this dangerous disease.

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Narcolepsy Blood Test: What is it?

September 11, 2011 By 1 Comment

What is Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a health conditions wherein a person feels sleepy throughout the day. Sleep disorders can result from any of three basic reasons. These are:

  1. Insufficient or poor sleep: An ideal example of this is the people suffering from sleep apnea. This problem can be sorted out if the patient’s sleep-related breathing issues are taken care of.
  2.  Weakened Brain System: This is also one of the reasons that can keep any person awake. A perfect example of this is Narcolepsy. In this situation, an individual feels very sleepy throughout the day even after having a good sleep at night.
  3. A mixed condition: The condition of Narcolepsy usually develops in a person in his or her earlier childhood or teen years and eventually, with growing age and weight, it takes the form of sleep apnea, adding to the existing problems of the condition.

It is important to note that if a person is suffering from both the critical conditions and the treatment is applied on only one such as sleep apnea and not on the other, it can lead to disastrous results.

Treating sleep apnea may improve the health conditions of the patient but cannot eradicate the problem from its root. Cardiac and stroke related dangers can be alleviated but the untreated narcolepsy will make them fall asleep anyway, paving way for other complications. There can be more than one reason and symptom to any kind of sleep disorder. Hence, it’s essential to offer proper and wholesome treatment to the patient.

As mentioned earlier, Narcolepsy causes brain-related sleepiness in a person. In addition, it is also associated with REM sleep disorders. REM or Rapid Eye Movement sleep disorder in a person occurs immediately after he or she falls asleep. This disorder can be caused by hypnopompic hallucinations and hypnagogic. The hypnopompic hallucinations and hypnagogic is the occurrence of the fragments of dreams before or after the sleep. Another cause of REM sleep can be sleep paralysis or a situation where a person finds himself or herself unable to call out or even move his or her body while sleeping or waking up. Cataplexy as well as dreaming during short sleep can also cause REM sleep disorders. Cataplexy is a medical condition under which the patient feels weakness in his muscles due to any kind of emotional impact, such as laughter.
Patients suffering from cataplexy typically always also have Narcolepsy, but patients having Narcolepsy might not always experience cataplexy.

Who can suffer From Narcolepsy?

Both males and females can suffer from Narcolepsy. The main symptom of this disease is sleepiness, which usually takes place in latter part of the childhood, teen years or beginning of 20s. Narcolepsy can also develop in the individuals who are 30 years of age, but, this is very rare.

Symptoms of Narcolepsy

The symptoms of narcolepsy are falling asleep at a frequent rate, hyperactive behavioural pattern, and even other conditions such as Cataplexy.

Causes of Narcolepsy:

This disease is caused if the chemical “neurotransmitters” is found to be missing in the brain cells. Neurotransmitters controls and supervises the communication link between different brain cells and nerve.
Some members in a family can be genetically prone to developing Narcolepsy. However, this is not considered to be a purely genetic ailment in people. Narcolepsy may sometime result from excessive stress, but, as with the instances of genetic causes, this is not strictly a psychological disorder.

How to diagnose Narcolepsy

In order to diagnose Narcolepsy, some careful steps need to be taken. The patient’s history should be carefully observed. His or her sleeping habits should be closely monitored, and a multiple sleep latency test should be conducted. Other than this, the cataplexy disorder should also be taken into consideration.

Is a Narcolepsy blood test helpful?

Narcolepsy cannot be conclusively diagnosed by blood test. However, there are some medical practitioners that believe that blood test can help diagnose this medical condition in a patient. They think that individuals suffering from Narcolepsy have specific HLA types. HLA types are genetically ascertained signs on white blood cells that help in finding out tissue compatibility-for instance, to check an individual’s willingness to donate a kidney to the one whose system may not accept the kidney that has been transplanted. HLA types are determined by a blood test. However, these tests cannot be used for diagnosing narcolepsy because of two reasons:  1) the test will be in negative for the patients who are suffering from narcolepsy as well as cataplexy, and 2) about 25% of the people have same HLA types that are related to Narcolepsy.

How to cure Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy can be treated if proper medication as well as a bit of common sense is applied. A Narcoleptic patient cannot be treated solely on the basis of medication. The treatment should be designed according to each individual case in concern. In this process, it is important to remove all the aggravating elements that can cause the symptoms to grow more serious, and cause the suggested medications to become less useful.

To elucidate it further, the practitioner cannot recommend a diabetic to do anything whatever he or she feels like because insulin shots are being given. Prescribing medication also means that the patient should be given a proper diet chart and counselled as and when required. This is applicable in case of all types of ailments including Narcolepsy.

Also, the medical practitioner who is treating the individual with Narcolepsy symptoms should possess experience and expertise in handling these types of cases. Physicians should inform the patient about the things or conditions that can pose further risks to his or her health. Not only this, it’s the duty of the practitioner to educate his patient about the ways to handle this disorder with a positive attitude.

Some of the medications that can be prescribed to a Narcoleptic patient are sodium oxybate (Xyrem) and antidepressants. Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) taken at night. All these are stimulating agents. Since these medications may contain some side-effects, physician should prescribe them with utmost care to any individual based on his or her medical records, symptoms, and more.

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Narcolepsy Sleep Apnea: Are These Sleep Disorders Related?

September 11, 2011 By 2 Comments

Introduction

The most life-threatening aspect that faces Narcoleptic patients is the symptom of Sleep Apnea – or in other words, the partial or total stoppage of breathing during sleep. Although Sleep Apnea can be divided into three categories, the one that is most commonly found is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The other two being Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) and Mixed Sleep Apnea (a combination of both CSA and OSA).

While we sleep, a number of complicated activities go on in our brain well beyond our knowledge. While we rest, our brain does not. it keeps on sending vital signals to the muscles of our lungs instructing them to continue breathing. Central Sleep Apnea occurs when the brain stops sending those signals, thereby stopping the efforts of the muscles to take the breath. In the case of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, the brain sends the signal and the muscles receive it and try to take the breath accordingly. However, they cannot do so, as the airway gets obstructed somehow and thus hinders a steady flow of air. In the case of Mixed Sleep Apnea, it’s the combination of the two symptoms that results in the breathlessness during sleep. If the period of breathlessness lasts for more than 10 seconds, then it can be regarded as a case of Sleep Apnea.

It is noticed that the phenomenon of Sleep Apnea is generally much more common in adults than in children. This is because of the fact that in children and infant, sleep apnea is countered by an apnea alarm within the child, which awakens the child as well as their parents.

However, in the case of Narcoleptic patients, the chance of Sleep Apnea is higher than in normal people, as Narcolepsy is itself a disease that disturbs the sleeping pattern and shatters the neurological order of the patient. Naturally, a Narcoleptic patient becomes more prone to Sleep Apnea than those without the condition.  In case of a healthy person, the brain can calculate whether there is excessive of carbon dioxide and a dearth of oxygen in body. Accordingly, it instructs the lungs to increase or decrease the rate of respiration. However, in case of a Narcoleptic patient, who has an already shattered nervous system there is high chance that the brain fails to do this calculation in a proper way, resulting in Sleep Apnea more frequently than in those who do not have Narcolepsy.

The repeated occurrence of Sleep Apnea every night puts increased pressure on the heart, thereby weakening it significantly. In case of a Narcoleptic patient, the pressure created on heart is almost double because of his disturbed sleeping pattern and weak nervous system. Even in normal person this extra pressure in heart will ultimately result in higher blood pressure within 4 years of the occurrence.

With Narcoleptic patients, Sleep Apnea causes acute Atrial fibrillation. It is a condition where the atrium of the heart is not in sync with the ventricle, or in other words there is no coordination between the two parts of the heart. This may result in a heart failure, commonly termed as stroke. It is also seen that all these abnormal developments can cause sudden death of the patient in their sleep, although this is not common.

Means to Diagnose:

There are mainly two methods of diagnosing Sleep Apnea. One is the Subjective method and the other is the Objective method. The Sleep Apnea can be measured in a very widely used method called – Epworth Sleepiness Scale. The patient himself can measure his intention to fall asleep on a scale of 0 to 3 and submit it to his doctor. The doctor will take action depending on the outcome of this report taking into account the various other symptoms of the patient such as:

  • Sleepiness during daytime
  • Performance graph since the bout of the disease
  • History of accidents while driving
  • Instances and frequency of falling asleep while in a meeting
  • Memory loss

Another way of diagnosing Sleep apnea is Polysomnography, which is nothing more than a simple sleep study. It involves various psychological and physical parameters of a patient during his sleep. The following factors are measures during the patient’s sleep:

  • Measuring the Brain wave by EEG (Electroencephalogram)
  • Monitoring Eve movements by EOG (Electro-oculogram)
  • Monitoring the muscular activities by EMG (Electromyogram)
  • Monitoring airflow through nose and mouth
  • Monitoring the movement of chest and abdomen
  • Check whether the patient is snoring and if so, audio-recording the loudness of snoring
  • Measurement of Oxygen level in blood

Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) is another very common way of diagnosing Sleep Apnea in a patient. Basically, this method is studying and measuring how rapidly the patient is falling asleep in a day.

The Maintenance of Wakefulness Test is another way to measure sleepiness during daytime.  However, in this test, the patient is told to put extra effort to stay away during the day and this is practiced in four sessions of forty minutes each, at a 2 hour interval.

Depending upon the outcome of the above tests, patients can undergo various types of surgery, such as implantation of palates, surgery in their nose to remove any obstruction, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, surgery to reduce the tongue, and bariatric surgery.

However, for the patients of Narcolepsy, it is advisable to opt for non-surgical methods like behavior therapy, continuous and thorough medication and different types of mental and physical exercises and usage of mask and dental appliances.

Conclusion:

The latest medical research shows that among the patients suffering from various types of Sleep Apnea, the majority are patients with Narcolepsy. While more and more people are falling prey to Sleep Apnea, very few (almost 10%) are taking up a thorough treatment. The rest is reluctant to go to a doctor even though they are aware of the difficulty they have. This is probably out of the embarrassment that is associated with the condition. This is doing no good to those with the condition, though, and this mentality can compel them to go into social isolation and ultimately to a slow but steady health decline. Hence, it is advisable to approach a physician and take the necessary remedial measures to help regulate the condition and its symptoms.

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Narcolepsy: Why It Happens

September 11, 2011 By 3 Comments

Introduction

The first and foremost question that crops up while going through this topic is what is Narcolepsy?  In short, Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that causes extreme weakness of body muscles resulting in sleepiness throughout the odd hours of the day-even in the midst of a hectic work.
The specialty of this particular decease is that it has nothing to do with any psychological problem and hence, it’s seen that the patient’s social awareness and their ability to respond – as well as their auditory capacity – remain more or less unaffected.

Mild Narcolepsy Symptoms

The primary way to identify a Narcolepsy patient is through the occurrence of Cataplexy, which is a sudden muscle fatigue resulting in strong emotional outburst. Though there are exceptions, it is generally true that up to 70% of Narcolepsy patients also suffer from Cataplexy.

Apart from Cataplexy, the main characteristic of a Narcolepsy patient is falling asleep or feeling drowsy all through the day, even after a sound sleep in the night.
It’s quite common that a patient with Narcolepsy falls asleep in trains and buses, thereby missing the stops. They often fall asleep even while driving their cars, resulting in fatal accidents. There have been instances when a patient has fallen asleep in a dentist’s chamber and have to be shaken awake by the dentist. The more these things occur, the more the patient goes into a social cocoon, withdrawing themselves from the social activities and hence needing immediate medical attention.

This phenomenon is regarded as Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS). Almost 90% of the Narcolepsy patients suffer from this disorder. Other common symptoms are hypnagogic hallucinations. Almost 30% of patients are recorded to suffer from this particular symptom. This particular symptom is attributed to certain dreamy visions those a patient witnesses at the moment of falling asleep. Though one school of thought tends to give certain super-natural angles to this phenomenon, extensive research has shown the exact reason behind this is othing more than a hypnagogic hallucination.

Narcolepsy sufferers also often complain of acute disturbance of sleep during night; some secondary symptoms such as blurred or double vision and dropping eyelids are also very common. Another very common symptom, present in almost 25% of Narcolepsy cases is a condition called Sleep Paralysis. A patient with this particular symptom cannot talk or even move when they are falling asleep or awaking from sleep. This may last anywhere from few seconds to as many as several minutes.
Though in general, Narcolepsy patients have sound sleep at night, there have been certain cases, where a patient has prolonged period of sleeplessness during night, with increased heart rate, occurrence of hot flashes and at certain instances acute alertness for hardly any reason. It’s also often seen that the Narcolepsy patients fall asleep faster than normal, and may get up after hearing an almost inaudible noise.

While a normal person takes about one and a half hour of sleep on an average to see dreams, a Narcolepsy patient can see dreams instantly. As a result of this Rapid Eye Movement (REM) is also a unique feature of a Narcolepsy patient during sleep.  At times this REM can be extremely rapid and abnormal.

The most important phenomenon about Narcolepsy is that except for daytime sleepiness, the other symptoms do not affect the patient to a large extent. Hence, those patients who do not have daytime sleepiness may not seek much medical help, thus hindering a conclusive diagnosis.

It can be mentioned that the symptoms of Narcolepsy may remain hidden for many years. In fact, there are cases where Narcolepsy has been diagnosed after as many as ten years of suffering from the symptoms of the condition. Almost 50% of the adult Narcolepsy patients coming for diagnosis have recorded to have been affected by the disease between 15 and 30 years of age.

Conclusion

In spite of extensive research being conducted all over the world, the exact cause of this particular disease is yet to be recognized. One school of thought claims that Narcolepsy is related to a genetic disorder that exists in the history of a family. It’s believed that up to 10% of all Narcolepsy patients had someone else in their families with the condition.

Another school of thought states that Narcolepsy is an autoimmune disease. In these cases, the immune system of the human body produces cytokines more that what is needed for the human body. This affects the immunity system of the body resulting in a series of disorders of various kinds. In this train of thought, researchers believe that the Narcolepsy condition itself may attack those cells which contain brain peptide hypocretin (orexin). This results in certain deficiencies those are the major factors responsible for this disease.

One striking phenomenon that is generally noticed in patients with Narcolepsy is that they contain very low levels of Hypocretin in their body. Though we do not know what exactly causes the damage of the Hypocretin cells, it may be the result of an infection.

Some say that the exact reason of this disease can be a particular type of infection that affects the genetic order. Certain hormonal changes at different stages of life, the environment of the patient, the stress of day-to-day life can also be responsible. A recent study has come out with startling results, though. Almost all the patients of Narcolepsy are recorded to carry HLA-DR15 and HLA-DQ6 gene. Hence, it can be said these gene are more susceptible to Narcolepsy than the others. With research in genetics reaching newer heights and gene mapping already in vogue, we can expect the disease to be eradicated sooner than later.

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Effects of Narcolepsy: What to Watch For

September 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Narcolepsy is a type of hypersomnia disorder that affects one in two thousand people, and it presents with various symptoms in both men and women. There could be an extreme sleepiness during the daytime, which may last for a few minutes or even just for a few seconds. One might even experience muscle paralysis during emotional highs like laughter, sadness, excitement, and more. Such conditions can adversely affect the person’s personal, social and professional life.

Symptoms of Narcolepsy

The symptoms of Narcolepsy may vary from person to person but the most common symptoms for everyone would be extreme day sleepiness and muscle weakness. The excessive sleep during the day time would be the first condition in any person suffering from Narcolepsy causing frequent sleep attacks which lasts for few minutes or more.

The muscle weakness is also another symptom that attacks the narcoleptics is caused by extreme emotional levels and may also cause difficulties in sleeping, drooping eyelids, nodding head, and struggling to move the hands or arms; it and may also cause muscle paralysis which may last for just two or more minutes.

The sleep paralysis is also another symptom but all narcoleptic victims might not experience this. Hallucinations in the form of vivid dreams may occur while sleeping or awake or dozing. Though this is real, it can be a scary experience for many. Certain people have disturbing sleeping patterns at night due to frequent bouts of sleep in the morning.

Automatic behaviors can occur commonly in narcoleptics since they do not realize their actions of which they are completely unaware. These people tend to forget their automatic behaviors very often. In some cases, the symptoms may be very mild whereas in certain cases it tends to be really severe.

Effects of Narcolepsy

Falling asleep in inappropriate times or while in the midst of an activity like driving, working, cooking, eating, walking could be highly dangerous. Because of such unexpected sleep attacks, there may be fatal accidents or injuries. Victims of narcolepsy also experience stress and depression, lack of concentration, problems in their workplace or at school and can even suffer from an impaired memory.

These could be threatening to the normal being of a person, as the nature of the attacks is highly unpredictable. Victims might suffer from sleep-bouts in their school or at work, or anywhere in a public place which would ultimately cause a loss of self-esteem and confidence. It could also result in problems within the family or with co-workers or employers.
Since there is always a sign of laziness, fatigue and disinterest towards things, people might tend to think that Narcoleptics are simply lazy. Since there is no complete cure for this disorder, the victims need to carry these problems for a lifetime. However, with proper medical guidance, the symptoms can easily be greatly reduced.

Usually, people who suffer from Narcolepsy are at a greater risk of accidents at any point of time!  Thus, it is always advisable to stop stepping out of the house if you experience any symptom of excessive day sleepiness or fatigue. Due to excessive sleep in the morning, these people might remain very troubled and drowsy throughout the day, while suffering from lack of sleep at night.
Due to poor sleeping patterns, it could lead to poor attention span or people might even struggle a lot to concentrate on things – all these would adverse their social life. Also many narcoleptics complain of headaches, which might lead to migraines. Also due to the low levels of Hypocretin fluid in their brain, there would be an increase in the appetite levels resulting in over eating and obesity.

Treatment for Narcolepsy

As far as treatment of Narcoleptics is concerned, there is no cure for such disorders; however, affected people can change their lifestyle to reduce the symptoms and lead a better life. Apart from regular medications, Narcoleptics can follow several tips to make their lives easier.
Usually, stimulants are given by the doctors to keep them awake and alert during the day but there may be certain side effects to these drugs, such as nervousness and palpitation. The Antidepressants are also used for treating the sleep paralysis or the cataplexy but they too have their side effects.
It is always advisable to avoid heavy meals, alcohol or caffeine while under medication. Additionally, patients should maintain a healthy diet along with a good exercise to help improve their physical as well as mental health. Following these tips can drastically reduce the signs and symptoms of Narcolepsy over a course of time.

Living with Narcolepsy

Since Narcolepsy is a lifelong condition and the chances of a complete cure is very rare, so you should learn to reduce the symptoms. Try to find a quiet and peaceful place to rest if you get frequent sleep attacks during the day. Make sure your home or the atmosphere you stay is safe and protected, as your unpredicted sleep patterns might be dangerous for the security of your house and family members.

Get the help of your doctors, friends or family members, and never forget to take medicines on a regular basis. In case, you are driving, take your family, friends, or co-workers along with you as a safety measure. Narcoleptics can work any type of job, but they should be always extra careful about their place of work. It is quite important that all your friends, family members or your co- workers are aware of your disorder – this is to help maximize safety no matter where you may be.
Conclusion

It may be quite embarrassing if there are frequent sleep attacks or tiredness during the day, but do not let this daunt your zeal for living life to the fullest. Try not to suffer from low self-esteem or feel depressed about your medical problem – there are many like you and they are leading a happy life. Learn more about this disorder to try to minimize your symptoms though a combination of medicine, lifestyle changes, and plenty of exercise and restful time.

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Narcolepsy Support Groups: What you Need to Know about the Help that is available

September 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Narcolepsy patients all over the world are struggling with a negative self-image because of their sleeping disorder. Narcolepsy symptoms, Cataplexy especially, are not commonly viewed in positive or educational lights. Most patients who struggle with the signs and symptoms of the disorder are embarrassed by their unique medical situation, and they often remain isolated because of this self-consciousness. More and more narcoleptics are seeking out the structure and comfort of Narcolepsy support groups to help them cope with their emotional and personal troubles. In fact, some might say that Narcolepsy and support groups were made for each other.

What is a Support Group?

In the simplest terms, a support group is a gathering of people who have a common interest. While the personalities and lifestyles of all group members may be completely different, one cause brings them together. Most support groups focus on one clear topic: breast cancer, aids, and addiction to name a few examples.

Support groups make it possible for people who are dealing with similar problems in their lives are able to come together, and form a relationship with one another to help them cope with their struggle (receive Narcolepsy help). Most support groups offer a forum for people with a connection to come and openly share their feelings as well as gain information. Medical, emotional, and physical issues can have extremely negative effects on your quality of life; it may be helpful to seek support and empathy from other people who understand your issues. Support groups are also a good opportunity for patients to learn what supporting people with Narcolepsy really means.

The Two Main Types of Narcolepsy Support Groups

There are two main categories in which support groups are placed.

Self-Help Support Groups

Self-help groups are also commonly referred to as peer support groups, fellowships, mutual aid self-help groups, lay organizations, and mutual help groups. Self-help groups are run entirely by the members of the group; the members organize and execute all decisions affecting the group. Most self-help groups consist of numerous volunteers that all express a passion or experience in the cause. Members of self-help groups are free to explore discussion and other therapies at their own pace, in their own way; the members are helping themselves cope with Narcolepsy.

Professionally Operated Support Groups

When support groups are managed by people who do not share the same problem as the members of the group, the support group is called a professionally operated support group. Professionally operated support groups delegate a facilitator that will be in charge of all group discussions and activities. Unlike the free-form, emotional exploration that is offered through self-help groups, professionally operated groups provide a strict structure and regiment for patients who struggle with commitment. Social workers, clergy members, and therapists are all facilitators for professionally operated support groups. The most commonly recognizable forms of professionally operated support groups are hospitals, jails, prisons, and rehabilitation facilities for drug-treatment; professionally operated support systems are commonly located in institutional places.

What are the Benefits of Attending a Narcolepsy Support Group?

  • Finding a place to fit in: Many narcoleptic patients find their disorder much easier to handle, physically as well as emotionally, after finding a home with a support group. Narcoleptics often feel isolated and alone; a very small percentage of Americans suffer from the disorder. Finding a Narcolepsy support group that feels safe and comfortable is a great way to assist you, and even those closest to you, with becoming accustomed to living with the problematic disorder.
  • Gain confidence and self-empowerment: Narcolepsy patients, especially in their adolescent teenage years, often experience embarrassment and shame because of their disorder. Patients with Cataplexy tend to be especially reserved or introverted. Participating in a support group will you see that there are many other people in the world you understand what you’re going through, even if that number seems really small sometimes. Accepting the commonality of the problem will help educate others on the truth behind Narcolepsy; it is an unfortunate, but manageable sleeping disorder.
  • Gaining a forum in which to speak openly:
  • Giving and receiving advice: Freshly diagnosed Narcolepsy patients usually experience a period of confusion and stress following the diagnosis. Support groups offer the option of seeking interpersonal contact. New Narcolepsy patients and old Narcolepsy patients are able to come together and swap stories and advice about their disorder; yet another forum for Narcolepsy education.
  • Reviewing treatments, doctors, etc.: At a Narcolepsy support group, the patients are able to come together and share their own personal reviews and opinions of all-things Narcolepsy. Meeting with your support group gives you all the opportunity to talk about any new treatments, facilities, doctors, etc. that could be helpful. Personal reviews are one of the most reliable, consistent ways to chose a trusted medical professional or treatment
  • Developing new skills: Support groups, especially professionally operated support groups, help members develop new skills for dealing with their Narcolepsy symptoms and complications. Members are able to hone the skills that will help them successfully manage Narcolepsy in the presence of trained professionals that are always ready to lend a hand.
  • Strengthening relationship skills: Because support groups bring together various strangers for intimate conversation, a certain level of respect and integrity is required while conversing as a group. Narcoleptics are often moody or easily irritated, and may benefit from the structured behavioral requirements. Improving listening and empathizing skills in support groups will help improve relationship skills outside of the group.

How Can I Find an Appropriate Support Group for Narcolepsy?

If you decide you would like to explore the possibilities of joining a Narcolepsy support group, there are many avenues to travel when making your decision. Before you make a hasty decision, do plenty of research. Just like internet chat rooms, not all support groups can be trusted.

  • Talk to your doctor: More often than not, your doctor will be able to suggest a support group that fits your needs.
  • Visit a sleep center: If your doctor is unable to refer you to an acceptable group, take a trip to the closest sleep center in your area.
  • Contact medical facilities in your community: All towns are not created equal, and you won’t find a respectable sleep clinic twenty miles. If you are having trouble finding a sleep center close-by, ask specialists at your local medical facilities.
  • Look in the phone book: In the technological age, many people forget about phone books, but they still contain useful information.

Other Ways to Find the Right Narcolepsy Support Group

  • Visit local universities
  • Talk to other Narcolepsy victims
  • Search the internet
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Narcolepsy Awareness and Management an Overview

September 11, 2011 By 1 Comment

Narcolepsy isn’t your run-of-the-mill sleeping disorder; in fact, it’s really rather rare. Whereas Insomnia and Sleep Apnea are quite common, Narcolepsy occurs in less than one percent of the population. It is estimated that around 50,000 citizens of the United States suffer from the disorder. Congruently, there may be as many as two and a half million Americans that are living with the signs and symptoms of the disorder and have no idea.

For many patients suffering from the disabling sleep disorder, they are often too embarrassed to talk about it. Television and cartoons have been known to poke fun at Narcoleptics; characters with Narcolepsy are often falling asleep in their food, or breaking things. A lack of narcolepsy awareness and management has given the sleeping disorder a poor connotation.

Narcolepsy and Awareness

Narcoleptics are tired almost all of the time, and sometimes very dangerously so. It is not uncommon for a narcoleptic patient to collapse suddenly into sleep in the middle of an activity. Patient’s who experience extreme symptoms like this, especially those with Cataplexy or Sleep Paralysis, know that sudden slips into the REM stage of sleep can be dangerous for you, and the people around you. Narcoleptics are completely unable to control when they fall asleep. In unfortunate cases, narcoleptics have been known to fall asleep while standing, eating, and even driving. It is also very common for Narcoleptics to experience hallucinations; the hallucinations associated with Narcolepsy cases are often extremely vivid, and many times frighteningly overwhelming.

Narcolepsy Management

Living with Narcolepsy can be frustrating. To protect your safety during activities that last a significant amount of time, like driving or operating any other dangerous machinery, try to nap before the activity. During long car rides, stop often and move around. If you are unable to nap before a demanding activity, or don’t have the option to be too physically active, try to keep people around that will engage in conversation with you.

It is important to try and stay alert and stimulated as much as possible, especially at work. Try and find a job with a flexible schedule; you will be more likely to be granted to the opportunity to nap when need be. If you’re suffering from Narcolepsy, or any other medical problem that causes you to struggle with excessive levels of daytime sleepiness, don’t get a job where you drive a lot. In addition, finding a workplace with a short commute will help decrease your risk of getting in an automobile accident on your way to and from work everyday. Take the bus to work if your neighborhood accommodates the action.

Narcolepsy Awareness Patient Education

Patients who suffer from Narcolepsy, and have yet to be diagnosed with the sleeping disorder, are at a much higher risk for developing serious complications because of the ailment. On the other hand, there’s only so much protection a diagnosis can offer you. When you have Narcolepsy, you fall asleep when you feel the need to fall asleep; you can’t stop it. The best way to protect yourself and the people closest to you from the dangers of your Narcolepsy case is to be well-educated on the disorder, its symptoms, its risks, its treatments, and all of the options associated with the sleeping disorder.

Narcolepsy Support Awareness

If you know someone close to you who suffers from the potentially dangerous disorder, make sure that you are there to lend the help and support needed by you narcoleptic friend. Knowing what to expect and how to react during a narcoleptic episode will help make you feel safer, and help keep your falling friend safer.

Narcolepsy can be really stressful to handle, and some people are not comfortable with the fact that they have the disorder. Letting narcoleptic patients know that they can be comfortable with their disorder, and that friends and family are there to help is the best way to ensure a level of comfort in the daily lives of Narcoleptic patients. Too many patients who suffer from the disorder are too afraid to seek help, or talk about their problems because they fear being poorly judged. There is a common fear among narcoleptic patients that they will be viewed as lazy, undisciplined, or lacking in intelligence. Showing your support for Narcolepsy and its victims will help encourage sufferers to seek the treatment needed to manage their symptoms and complications.

National Narcolepsy Awareness Week

During the last month of every year, the American Sleep Association sponsors a week-long campaign for promoting the awareness of Narcolepsy, the week has been dubbed Narcolepsy Awareness week. The American Sleep Association and their respected affiliates have dedicated the week spanning December 1-7 to promoting national awareness of one of the most disregarded sleep disorders, Narcolepsy. The goals of the week are to educate the general population on the on the signs, symptoms, facts, risks, complications, diagnostic options, and treatment options for Narcolepsy.

Narcolepsy, Awareness, Management, and Support Groups

Modern American society is social, to say the least. This is an outstanding truth for people suffering from rare disorders like Narcolepsy. The medical community is home to thousands of different support groups for people suffering from an array of illnesses and diseases. Patients who feel isolated in their disorder are able to find other people suffering from the same problems.

In addition to helping heal the emotional damages caused by Narcolepsy, support groups give narcoleptic patients an opportunity to communicate and network with people that may be able to provide help and assistance in other ways. Patients are able to speak with other patients and review treatment methods, doctors, and even lifestyle tips for coping with Narcolepsy.

Most doctors, especially sleep specialists will be able to point you in the direction of a reliable support group. Your doctor is a very valuable resource, and will also be able to help you find ways to help manage the signs, symptoms, and risks of your Narcolepsy case. More often than not, if a medical professional feels to unequipped or ignorant in a specific field, like sleep study, they will more than happy to refer to a qualified professional that is able to meet your needs.

If you are having trouble finding a Narcolepsy support group that meets your needs, don’t forget to check online. The internet is a useful resource for support, communication, and gathering information.

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