Signs of Narcolepsy: Overview

December 5, 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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Help For Identifying Narcolepsy Symptoms

December 4, 2011 By 1 Comment

Narcolepsy is a serious chronic sleep disorder occurring when the brain is unable to control the body’s regular sleep cycle. A person suffering from Narcolepsy symptoms tends to feel drowsy throughout the day and experiences sudden episodes of uncontrolled sleep. It may happen anytime, regardless of what is happening before the “sleep attack”.  Because the person can literally be doing anything and fall asleep suddenly the disorder can seriously affect a person’s daily life.  People with Narcolepsy often have their licences taken away and are not allowed to drive motor vehicles.

Narcolepsy is independent of gender, age or sex.  Often the first signs of the disorder are seen between the ages of 9 and 21. The severity of the disease may vary with age however Narcolepsy is a life long illness.

Narcolepsy and Its Symptoms:

See figure 01-01a for a list of the common major systems of Narcolepsy.

Figure 01-01a – Major Symptoms Narcolepsy

Signs And Symptoms Most Common In Narcoleptics

Symptom/Sign

Description
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness – one of the most visible symptoms of Narcolepsy, which affects all people suffering from the disorder.  

Of all the symptoms and signs of Narcolepsy, EDS or Excessive Daytime Sleepiness is the main symptom. It causes the affected person to feel tired throughout the day. This feeling of sleepiness persists often, regardless of a quality night time sleep. These symptoms of narcoleptic people come with a lack of energy and mental cloudiness. It also affects and impairs memory, causing depression in many.

People suffering from this symptom suddenly feel strong urges to sleep regardless of the time. It happens without warning; although these “sleep attacks” usually take place when they are inactive, such as when attending classes or meetings, watching television, or reading a book. However, it is still very possible for these sleep attacks to take place while one is talking, walking, eating, playing, or worse; while driving.

A typical sleep attack lasts for fifteen minutes to one hour with few exceptions. However, these attacks tend to recur within an hour or several hours after the previous attack. After sleeping, the person suffering from symptoms of narcolepsy wakes up refreshed, but then becomes tired again after one or two hours of consciousness. This cycle is repeated throughout the day.

As a first treatment for this Narcolepsy symptom, Xyrem (Gamma-Hyrdroxybutryric acid) and Provigil (Modafinil) may be administered.
Cataplexy – sixty to a hundred percent of people suffering from Narcolepsy symptoms also experience this.

Cataplexy is unique to Narcolepsy and its symptoms. It’s characterized by a sudden decline or loss of muscle tone and losing control over voluntary muscles. In mild cases of this Narcolepsy symptom, the person experiences slight feeling of muscle limpness or weakness in limited body areas. For example, the muscles in the neck weaken, which in turn causes sagging and drooping of facial muscles as well as drooping of the head. The person’s speech is also affected by the symptoms of Narcolepsy, making him/her slur. Narcolepsy may also cause loss of arm strength and buckling of the knees. In cases of severe Cataplexy attacks, the body collapses completely.

Cataplexy episodes are not like epilepsy where patients become unconscious as the attack is happening. In cataplexy, the patient stays conscious throughout the attack. This attack usually lasts from a few seconds to thirty minutes. Strong and sudden flares in emotion such as laughter; which is the most common catalyst of cataplexy, as well as anger, surprise, fear and excitement, trigger the episodes of a cataplexy attack.
DNS or Disturbed Nocturnal Sleep – like most other Narcolepsy symptoms, DNS does not affect all people suffering from Narcolepsy. It does, however, affect sixty to ninety percent of all patients.

People suffering from this Narcolepsy symptom suffer from insomnia or poor sleep during night. They also tend to experience an increase in body movements even while they are asleep. This includes increased heart rate, intense alertness and hot flashes. Due to the lack of sufficient sleep at nighttime, these people’s daytime sleepiness worsens drastically.
Hypnopompic and Hypnagogic Hallucinations – these symptoms and signs of Narcolepsy affects up to sixty-six percent of all patients.

Narcolepsy and its symptoms can be terrifying.  Often a sign that someone is suffering from Narcolepsy is that they experience sensory hallucinations.  Often visual and audio hallucinations can be particularly scary events.  When these occur while the person is asleep, they are referred to as hypnogogic hallucinations, while those that take place when he/she is waking up are termed hypnopompic. Hallucinations occur when the person falls to REM sleep suddenly. When we dream during these fast passages to REM sleep we may perceive the dreams as part of reality.  This can be confusing and scary for those suffering from Narcolepsy.
Sleep Paralysis – this Narcolepsy symptom affects sixty percent of patients.

Sleep paralysis happens when the patient experiences an inability to speak or move temporarily. Loss of muscle control can happen upon waking up or while falling asleep. A few hear strange noises that may sound like voices or footsteps, while others feel like someone else is inside the room or somebody sitting on their chests. Although this condition is relatively harmless and rarely causes danger, it can scare people; especially those who are experiencing it for the first time.
Automatic Behaviour – of the signs and symptoms of Narcolepsy, this one is among the rarest conditions.

This happens during brief “sleep attacks” and episodes of this are also referred to as “microsleep” and often “sleepwalking”. When this happens, the affected person does not cease to function even when he/she is sleeping. People suffering from this Narcolepsy symptom perform routine activities that have already become familiar to them when they suddenly fall asleep while in class, taking showers, or driving. Although they continue to function, they obviously cannot properly perform their respective activities.  This symptom relates to automatic behaviour while unconscious.

All these Narcolepsy symptoms may prove very hard to cope with and they can affect a person’s social, professional and family life. It may isolate a patient from the rest of society, eventually leading him/her to depression. Fortunately, they can learn treat and adapt to Narcolepsy symptoms.

If you experience any of the mentioned symptoms, you might mention Narcolepsy to your Doctor so that they can confirm or disprove if you have a chronic sleep disorder. Learning more about Narcolepsy symptoms could prove useful to those with this disorder as well. Information about Narcolepsy should be absorbed in abundance.  We will learn things such as how changes in our lifestyle, sleep therapy, lifestyle changes, and prescription drugs may help us greatly reduce our symptoms of Narcolepsy.

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Narcolepsy: Sleep Study Expectations

December 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that affects three million people worldwide. Narcolepsy is divided into two international classifications: Narcolepsy with and without cataplexy. Narcolepsy without cataplexy is the parent disease. Narcolepsy with cataplexy has all the same symptoms as narcolepsy without cataplexy, except the patient also experiences cataplectic episodes.

Narcolepsy Symptoms

Classic symptoms of narcolepsy include Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS), sleep paralysis, hallucinations and cataplexy.  These are the symptoms that doctors look for a diagnosis of narcolepsy.

EDS is exactly what it says. A person who is suffering from EDS experiences a desire to sleep so strong that it becomes a need.  People with narcolepsy do not sleep more than people with healthy sleep habits, but their nighttime REM cycles are interrupted, creating the demand for sleep during the day.

EDS is the defining symptom of narcolepsy.  It can, however have several other causes.  Any sleeping disorder can cause tiredness, especially when insomnia is a factor.

Sleep Paralysis is also not exclusively a narcolepsy symptom.  In fact, anyone can experience sleep paralysis once or twice throughout their lives.  Narcoleptic who suffer sleep paralysis, experience it more often.

The phenomenon happens during the twilight between wake and sleep, where the body enters REM paralysis before the mind falls a.  The episode can be terrifying, especially when coupled with hallucinations.

Hallucinations are a common symptom of narcolepsy.  They can affect the lives of the patient to serious levels when they cease to be able to tell the difference between real and unreal. This sometimes causes a misdiagnosis and a case of narcolepsy gets filed as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or several other physiological disorders that share similar symptoms.

Hallucinations that accompany sleep paralysis can be vague, but can also seem menacing.  Historically, sleep paralysis with hallucinations has been misdiagnosed as a possession.  In European history, it is referred to as the “Hag Effect” and was believed that when a witches body died, she would borrow someone else’s that evening before moving on to her new one.

In Hispanic cultures, the term “dead man on top of me” is used to describe the sensation. The inability to move is sometimes offset by a floating feeling and an out of body experience is reported.

Cataplexy is experienced by seventy percent of narcolepsy patients.  It is a bazaar and frightening phenomenon. When REM sleep becomes disassociated, the different factors that define it can be experienced separate and apart from actual sleep.  During cataplexy, the patient has a sudden and uncontrollable loss of muscle tone.  The triggers for these attacks are extreme emotions.  Anger and robust laughter are the most commonly reported triggers.

A lesser attack of cataplexy can go unnoticed.  It can be as simple as an overly clumsy feeling or a slight drooping of an eyelid.  It can last for no more than a second or two and be gone before it even registers.

A more serious episode can end in complete collapse.  And can last for over an hour.  During the total paralysis, the subject is not asleep.  They are awake and alert.  They just cannot communicate.  They have lost all control.

Diagnostic Narcolepsy Sleep Studies

When a patient experiences EDS, insomnia or any other sleep related symptom, they can expect to be put through a sleep study and narcolepsy is a genuine possibility.

There are two sleep studies narcolepsy experts use to diagnose the disease, the nocturnal Polysomnogram and the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT).  They are usually preformed one right after the other with the combined testing taking one whole day. These are the current accepted standards for collecting data and diagnosing sleep disorders.

Sleep Narcoleptic Study- The Nocturnal Polysomnogram

The nocturnal Polysomnogram is set up to test and record sleep cycles and stages that the patient experiences at night.

The two states of sleep are NREM or non-rapid eye movement and REM, or Rapid Eye Movement.  NREM is a lighter sleep.  The beginning of sleep is usually NREM. Although there are four distinct stages of NREM, the next stage of sleep is the state that is most interesting during the test.

REM indicates a much deeper sleep stage.  It is the time of dreaming and paralysis of body muscles. The two stages alternate.  They take approximately ninety minutes each cycle and a patient with healthy sleep cycles usually has four or five each night.

The first test, the nocturnal Polysomnogram, takes place at night.  The patient goes to the sleep center in the evening and settles into a room for the night.

The rooms at the center are made as comfortable and sleep friendly as possible under the circumstances.  The temperature and lighting are carefully controlled. The distractions are minimal. As much as possible the room is prepared to evoke a good, restful sleep.

An electroencephalogram (EEG) and video surveillance are used to monitor the patient and gather data on breathing, blood oxygen level, movement, time in bed, time asleep, heart rate and rhythm. Visual observations are also made about the patient.

Important information that is recorded is the time it takes to fall asleep, how often he or she wakes up, and every bit of information about the sleep stages achieved, including time and duration. Also noted are night time sleep behaviors like sleep talking, snoring, apnea and any other possibility that could explain the EDS.

Sleep Narcolepsy Study- The Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)

The MLST is less common than the nocturnal Polysomnogram, but it is the best diagnostic tool currently available for narcolepsy as it gives an accurate portrait of daytime sleep and the sleep cycles experienced during naps.

The MLST is preformed the day after the nocturnal Polysomnogram.  The patient gets five, twenty minute naps that are spread out two hours apart throughout the day. The patient naps in the same peaceful environment they slept in the night before.  Again, they are monitored using EEG and visual observation.

The purpose of the MSLT is to gather data about sleep patterns, the absence or presence of REM sleep, when it occurs and the time it takes to fall asleep.

When REM sleep happens quickly, like within the first fifteen minutes of sleep, it is referred to as SOREM or Sleep Onset REM. This phenomenon is very rare, except in narcolepsy patients, where it is common and it can happen frequently.

The current criteria for a diagnosis of narcolepsy and sleep study results of falling asleep in an average of eight minutes over the course of all five tests, having two SOREMS or even one occurrence of REM sleep during any of the twenty minute naps.

There are several circumstances that may affect the results of the sleep study in narcolepsy. The presence of sleep apnea, shift work sleep disorder, and periodic limb movement disorder can also cause EDS and the resulting multiple SOREMs. For this reason, some experts criticize the use of MSLT and using a sleep study narcolepsy diagnosis becomes too common.

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Signs of Narcolepsy- What Doctors Look For

October 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder that has been found in an estimated three million people in the world today. To have a chronic sleep disorder means that the signs and symptoms will gradually get worse if left untreated. In this day and age there is hope for anyone suffering with a sleep disorder, as scientists have developed many types of medications to treat any symptom associated with narcolepsy.

Narcolepsy can, however, go misdiagnosed or even undiagnosed due to lack of information on the signs and symptoms of narcolepsy. This can cause a narcoleptic person to have health issues that can be truly frightening. Narcolepsy symptoms should be reported to the doctor immediately. This means that anyone that suspects even the slightest sign of narcolepsy should get more information on the matter by visiting their local sleep clinic.

Narcolepsy Signs and Symptoms

Narcolepsy has a host of symptoms that can leave a person feeling dreadful. These symptoms can be misdiagnosed due to similarity to other ailments, leaving the patient without the proper medication and other therapies needed to cope with narcolepsy. The symptoms and signs of narcolepsy are:

  • E.D.S. or excessive daytime sleepiness. This is the most common complaint by people with narcolepsy. E.D.S. is exactly as it sounds, which is the feeling/need for daytime sleep and the inability to control it. E.D.S. is often made far worst if the person also has insomnia.

  • Cataplexy is probably the most dangerous symptom related to narcolepsy. Cataplexy is the sudden and uncontrollable loss of muscle control. This is especially dangerous if it happens when the person is driving a car or operating machinery. Usually a person with cataplexy will be walking and suddenly fall down due to the loss of muscle tone, which can result in injury. This can happen any time, day or night with warning.

  • Sleep paralysis is a sort of disconnection of the brain from the body. This can happen when a person is falling sleep, which is called hypnogogic, or when they are entering R.E.M. sleep or waking up, which is called hypnopompic. When this happens it leaves the person totally aware of everything in the room, but leaves them unable to speak or move. Usually hallucinations of a very frightening nature ensue during episodes of sleep paralysis. People experiencing sleep paralysis may not necessarily have narcolepsy, although it is a symptom of narcolepsy.

  • Hallucinations are when someone hears voices or sees things that aren’t really there. These visions can be extremely real to the person, which can cause terror to fill their mind. Hallucinations are commonly associated with sleep paralysis, but there have been cases of narcolepsy with hallucinations and no sleep paralysis.

  • Insomnia is another narcolepsy sign that can be independent of the disorder itself. Insomnia is the inability to sleep well during the nighttime, or when a person falls asleep, but is unable to remain asleep, causing episodes of daytime sleepiness.

There are other narcolepsy signs that are secondary to these primary symptoms. Usually the medications and therapies will work to solve these secondary signs, but only if these are paid attention to and properly diagnosed. The secondary signs of narcolepsy are:

  • Irritability
  • Sleepwalking
  • Forgetfulness
  • Clumsiness
  • Poor performance in work or school
  • Friendships or personal relationships suffer
  • Depression

With the proper treatment, narcolepsy and signs and symptoms associated with it can be managed effectively. If a person has the least idea that they may have narcolepsy, then they should act immediately by going to a sleep clinic or to their family doctor.

Narcolepsy Treatment Options

Narcolepsy symptoms can be treated by medication and therapies in the home, which most call lifestyle changes. These changes will have a positive effect on the signs and symptoms of narcolepsy, lessening the stress and strain that people go through when incidents arise. When combined with the proper medication, narcolepsy patients have been known in some cases to live practically incident free. This gives them a new lease on life by allowing them to live daily life like everyone else. These lifestyle changes are:

  • Maintain a nutritious diet
  • Schedule changes for better sleep management
  • Planned daytime naps each lasting about 10 minutes
  • Tell employers, friends, family, co-workers about this condition
  • Seek counseling and support groups
  • Avoid the use of alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and illegal drugs
  • Take all medications as prescribed by doctor
  • Write down all episodes and incidents that occur concerning this condition

With all of these changes in mind, let’s look at the list of medications which should be added to them. These include:

  • Stimulants help to promote a better working central nervous system. Stimulants are usually prescribed for the treatment of E.D.S. and cataplexy. Commonly prescribed stimulants are Nuvigil and Provigil. Patients with a medical history of depression or psychiatric issues should not take stimulants, as they have been known to produce intense suicidal thinking.

  • Antidepressants are usually prescribed to treat depression, but in narcolepsy patients it’s a common treatment for cataplexy and hallucinations associated with sleep paralysis. Common antidepressants used to treat narcolepsy symptoms are Prozac and Zoloft.

  • Sodium oxybate is a drug that is unlike the other drugs used in the treatment of narcolepsy. Sodium oxybate is a liquid that, when taken correctly, provides the patient with a time of peaceful sleep. This drug must be taken very strictly as prescribed to avoid accidental overdose. The best known version of this drug is Xyrem.

As with all medications, medical science works to create better versions of the medicines we use, which can cause older medications to be discontinued. The reason for this research is to provide people with a better product that has the least amount of side effects. Such is the case with the older versions of antidepressants called tricyclics. The list of side effects far outweighed the benefits of these drugs, causing them to lose popularity, although they were said to be amazing when used to treat cataplexy.

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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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Narcolepsy in Children: What Every Parent Needs to Know

September 11, 2011 By 7 Comments

What are the Symptoms of Narcolepsy in Children?

Most of the symptoms that are present in adult Narcolepsy patients are seen in children with Narcolepsy. The big four symptoms, most commonly used to identify narcoleptic patients are the same four symptoms that adults look for.

The BIG FOUR

  • Daytime Sleepiness: Narcoleptic children are always tired during the day, even if they slept a healthy amount the night before. Children with Narcolepsy fall asleep many times throughout the day and experience a hard time staying awake.
  • Cataplexy: Like in narcoleptic adults, Cataplexy is a very rare development that accompanies the disorder. It is just as possible for narcoleptic children to develop Cataplexy as it is for older patiyou’rents, but it is much more dangerous in small children. Most young children need constant supervision to ensure their safety. Children with Cataplexy need much more physical attention and cautionary care than other children. Children with Cataplexy are often seen as despondent or depressed. Strong emotional responses like laughter could cause them to suddenly fall into a Cataplexy episode, so they are scared to encounter the emotional response.
  • Sleep Paralysis: Children with Narcolepsy often experience periods of paralysis when falling asleep and/or waking up. For a short period of time, ranging from a few seconds to a few moments, the child experiencing sleep paralysis has no control over their ability to move their body, speak, or even move their eyes. The child is completely aware the entire time, but unable to function.
  • Hypnagogic Hallucinations: Hypnagogic Hallucinations in narcoleptic children are often misdiagnosed as simple “bad dreams” or night terrors. If your child is experiencing habitual, vividly overwhelming dreams, you may want to look deeper at the root of the problem.

Other Symptoms of Narcolepsy in Children:

Children with Narcolepsy may also exhibit other physical symptoms of their disorder. In fact, hyperactivity and lack of focus are two of the most commonly identified symptoms of Narcolepsy in children.

  • Problems Falling Asleep
  • Sudden Deep Sleep
  • Excessive Day Sleep
  • Disrupted Sleeping Patterns
  • Automatic Behavior
  • Memory Loss
  • Lack of Concentration
  • Falling Grades
  • Substance Abuse
  • Low Motivation
  • Mood Swings
  • Difficulty Keeping up with Peers

How is Narcolepsy in Children Diagnosed?

Children who may be suffering from Narcolepsy are diagnosed in the same fashion as adults. After a thorough physical examination of the child, a thorough record of personal and family medical history will be taken. If a diagnosis cannot be reached, the child may be referred to a sleep clinic where they will be suggested to participate in a sleep study- most commonly the polysomnogram and the Multiple Sleep Latency Test.

How Can you Treat Children and Narcolepsy?

  • Medication: Prescription medications are often given to treat the effects of Narcolepsy in children. Antidepressants and hyperactivity medications like Adderall and Ritalin are most common.
  • Behavior Modification:
  • Follow an extremely strict sleeping schedule- Wake up and fall asleep at the same times everyday.
  1. Before bed, do relaxing activities with your child; read them a book or give them a bath. Do the same activity before bed every night to instill a sense of routine and composure in your child.
  2. Change, or rearrange medications under the supervision of a medical professional.
  3. Avoid dangerous activities like swimming, coking, driving, or playing unsupervised. Activities that require a certain level of risk involved are only recommended for the times of day when a young child or adolescent feels most alert.
  4. Encourage your child to increase their physical activity during the day. Exercise will help your child’s brain regulate sleeping patterns, as well as keep the immune system healthy and powerful.
  5. Keep your child away from tasks they may find boring or too repetitive. An interested child is an alert child.
  6. Eat healthy meals with your child at a scheduled time. Meals should consist of well balanced, small portions of food and should be eaten more frequently throughout the day.
  • Napping Schedule: If your child is suffering from Narcolepsy, try your best to help them get an adequate amount of sleep every night; this means including a sleeping schedule that accommodates the suggested amount of sleep for the age group of your child. Deciding whether or not a narcoleptic child is safe to nap during the day can be tricky. Generally, it is recommended that parents let narcoleptic children take one to two short naps during the day, but no more than absolutely needed.

Tips for Caring for Children with Narcolepsy

  • Narcolepsy is a scary and overwhelming disease for all age groups who struggle with it. Many adult narcoleptics feel a sense of shame and embarrassment surrounding the oddity of their disorder. Imagine how that embarrassment must feel to a young child who just found out that they’re different from everyone else. It’s going to be a long, winding, and sometimes painful road for your child when it comes to managing and accepting their disorder.
  • As a parent, your job is to be there for children whenever they need it. Be an open book; if your child has questions about their medical condition, tell them the truth. Help your child know that they are still beautiful and normal even though they have a disorder that sets them apart. You are going to be their biggest support system while they struggle to deal with the complications of childhood Narcolepsy.
  • Help your child follow all of the treatment suggestions given by your doctor. If your child was prescribed medication, make sure that they take it accordingly and responsibly. If your doctor places any dietary or physical restrictions on your child, help them stick to the commitment.
  • Education and conversation is the key to making a young child with Narcolepsy, or any other uncommon disorder, feel comfortable. If your child, or the child of someone close to you, has recently been diagnosed with an uncommon disorder, make sure that you make the effort to educate the people around you on the subject. Help them understand the symptoms and causes of Narcolepsy in children.
  • Plan for a future that includes a child with Narcolepsy. Evaluate how this development will affect your home, work, education, and family. Start planning for the necessary changes that must occur to accommodate a child with Narcolepsy early so that you will be well-prepared for situations yet to come.
  • Let your family, friends, colleagues, and school administrators know about your child’s condition as soon as possible; this way, all the necessary modifications that need to be made to suit your child’s special needs will be in place prior to your arrival. If you fail to point out your child’s unique medical and physical needs, they may gain a false reputation of laziness or unintelligence.
  • Look for support in the community. Narcolepsy is not a common disorder, but you’d be surprised to see how much support is right around the corner. Look for support groups in town, and in surrounding locations, that are geared towards assisting children with debilitating disorders like Narcolepsy or Cataplexy.
  • If you have trouble finding a support group locally, ask your doctor or medical care provider. In some cases, your medical professional may not be to knowledgeable about sleep disorders and testing. When they are unable to point you in the right direction, try your local universities and libraries.
  • When looking for support locally fails, hop on the internet and see what you can find near you.
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