Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that can cause excessive daytime sleepiness. It also causes abnormal REM sleep (rapid eye movement) and hallucinations.
Symptoms can be misdiagnosed as other disorders, so it’s important to get a diagnosis and treatment early. The sooner you receive treatment, the better you’ll be able to manage your symptoms.
Symptoms
What narcolepsy sufferers should know about excessive daytime drowsiness?
Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is the most common symptom in all people with narcolepsy. It can be very disruptive to daily activities, such as driving or working.
This can make it hard to concentrate and remember important information. It can also affect relationships and cause problems with workplace performance.
Narcolepsy sufferers usually have long periods of drowsiness during the day, sometimes lasting for several hours or even a few days at a time. These naps can be very short, or they may last longer than an hour and don’t feel refreshing.
The drowsiness can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as eating or driving and can lead to accidents. The condition can also result in sudden muscle weakness while awake, known as cataplexy, and vivid dream-like images or hallucinations that cannot be explained by reality.
Diagnosis
What narcolepsy sufferers should know about excessive daytime drowsiness
Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is the hallmark symptom of narcolepsy. It affects both men and women equally and can begin at any age.
People with EDS are more likely to be involved in accidents, although these are less common among those who take medication to control their symptoms. This is because sudden drowsiness or loss of muscle control transforms actions that are normally safe, such as walking down a flight of stairs, into hazards.
Narcolepsy also can cause lapses in attention, which can negatively affect school performance and relationships with peers and teachers. In addition, it can lead to other problems, including psychiatric issues and social withdrawal.
To diagnose narcolepsy, healthcare professionals may perform various tests. These include a medical history and physical exam, sleep testing, and laboratory work.
Treatment
Narcolepsy sufferers often find it hard to cope with excessive daytime drowsiness. This can make it difficult to focus on tasks or maintain social relationships.
Some medicines, called stimulants, are used to help narcolepsy sufferers stay awake during the day. These can include modafinil (Provigil), and Waklert Online.
The treatment for narcolepsy also depends on the type of narcolepsy you have. For type 1 narcolepsy, a medicine called Modafinil and Armodafinil is often prescribed.
These drugs can help people sleep and reduce how often cataplexy happens. Antidepressants like serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants are also commonly prescribed to treat the symptoms of narcolepsy.
If you have narcolepsy, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment for you. They may recommend a combination of medicines to manage your symptoms and minimize the impact on your life.
Prevention
Excessive daytime drowsiness can be a serious symptom that can impact the quality of life. It can also cause vehicle accidents and work-related injuries. Narcolepsy sufferers may also benefit from sedating medications such as Modalert 200 Australia (Provigil). These central nervous system stimulants are effective at reducing drowsiness and improving alertness.
Narcolepsy sufferers can prevent excessive daytime drowsiness by taking frequent, brief naps evenly spaced throughout the day and maintaining a regular sleep schedule. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime can help as well.
Another way to prevent excessive daytime drowsiness is to exercise regularly. This can help you sleep better at night, increase your alertness during the day and reduce weight gain.
