Narcolepsy is a neurological condition in which the brain fails to regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle. People with this chronic condition find it difficult to sleep at night and feel extremely drowsy during the day. They may even experience “sleep attacks,” which is an overwhelming need to fall asleep that can develop rapidly at any time during the day. Narcolepsy, if left untreated, might lead to other health concerns, and should be addressed in time.
Causes:
The exact cause of narcolepsy hasn’t yet been determined. There is little information about the major causative factors; however, risk factors can play an important role in its development.
Decreased levels of hypocretin
Hypocretin is a neurochemical that regulates REM sleep and wakefulness. Narcolepsy can occur when the body lacks this chemical.
Family history
Genetics is also a common factor that puts patients at a higher risk of developing narcolepsy.
Age
The condition is commonly seen developing in patients aged 10 to 30 years.
Symptoms
Patients may experience increased severity of symptoms in the initial years.
Increased daytime sleepiness
Patients with this condition tend to nod off in the middle of their tasks. They get increasingly drowsy and fall asleep for a few minutes, waking up refreshed. This may, however, repeat a few times.
Loss of muscle strength
Cataplexy often causes a sudden loss of strength and tone of muscles. The episode might last for a few minutes, leaving the patient with weakening body muscles. Most cataplexy episodes are associated with strong emotions, like laughter, anger, excitement, and fear.
Hallucination
Narcolepsy patients most commonly experience hallucinations either when they are falling asleep or waking up. Since they are not completely asleep, these hallucinations might seem real, and their vividness can cause fear in patients.
Sleep paralysis
Sleep paralysis is the temporary inability of the body to move or speak. Narcolepsy patients may experience this when falling asleep or waking up. It can be frightening to have no control over one’s body. A sleep paralysis episode can typically last a few seconds to minutes.
REM sleep
It is common for narcolepsy patients to experience REM sleep at any time during the day.
Treatments
Treatment options for narcolepsy involve prescribing stimulants, antidepressants, and compounds to patients. These options help discourage REM sleep induction.
Natural remedies
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in providing assistance for narcolepsy management.
Adhering to a routine
Carving a routine and sticking to it can help patients in the long run. It is important to maintain a schedule and carry out daily activities like sleeping and waking up at the same time each day.
Napping
Adding strategic naps to the daily routine can help patients have a more productive day. Napping for 20-30 minutes multiple times a day can help avoid falling asleep accidentally.
Exercise
Exercising in the evening or late afternoon can help one avoid feeling overly sleepy during the day.
Ask for support
Talking to people at home, school, and work can help patients have a better sense of safety. It will also make asking for help easier.
Food choices
It is vital to make the right food choices to help keep narcolepsy symptoms in check.
Have low-carb meals
Making low-carb meals helps avoid insulin crashes and prevents increased daytime sleepiness in patients. They will have to time their carbohydrate-rich meals accordingly to avoid triggering sleep.
Avoid heavy meals
Removing foods from the plate that can induce sleep and trigger their symptoms is important for narcolepsy patients. This also means having a smaller meal as big meals can make anyone sleepy.
Have anti-inflammatory foods
Adding anti-inflammatory foods to regular meals can help manage the symptoms of this condition. Include tomatoes, olive oil, and green leafy vegetables in your daily meals.
Avoid or minimize caffeine intake
It is strongly advised to be mindful of one’s caffeine intake during the day. It is better to avoid it altogether after 4 p.m so as to help the body fall asleep.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/narcolepsy/treatment/
https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/narcolepsy
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12147-narcolepsy#management-and-treatment
https://www.healthline.com/health/narcolepsy
