Narcolepsy
What is narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a chronic, neurological sleep disorder that currently cannot be cured or prevented. It is caused by the brain’s inability to regulate the sleep/wake cycle. Narcolepsy affects approximately one percent of the world’s population and many more may be undiagnosed. The cause of narcolepsy is unknown.
What are the symptoms of narcolepsy?
Major symptoms include excessive sleepiness; brief episodes of muscle weakness or paralysis triggered by strong emotions such as laughter, anger or excitement (known as cataplexy); and even vivid, dreamlike hallucinations that occur when falling asleep or when waking up.
How is narcolepsy diagnosed?
Excessive sleepiness plus cataplexy is the combination most suggestive of narcolepsy, but the disease can also be present without cataplexy. A sleep study for narcolepsy involves two essential tests: the overnight polysomnography (PSG) and the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT). The overnight PSG checks sleep for abnormalities. The MSLT determines a person’s tendency to fall asleep when one would normally be awake. Most cases of narcolepsy are not definitively diagnosed for 10 to 15 years after the first symptoms appear.
How is narcolepsy treated?
Narcolepsy cannot be prevented or cured with currently available treatments, but medications are prescribed to help manage symptoms like excessive sleepiness and cataplexy. Non-prescription measures are also helpful, such as napping, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and regular exercise.