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What is Narcolepsy? Narcolepsy is sometimes thought of as a napping disorder, where one easily falls asleep at inappropriate times like while watching television, driving, in meetings etc. It is characterised by excessive daytime sleepiness and is often accompanied by Sleep Paralysis, Hallucinations and Cataplexy. Narcoleptics suffer from the inability to avoid frequent naps, which can be anything from just a few seconds in duration. Narcoleptics also have abnormal REM patterns of sleep, often entering the REM stage during the first few minutes after going to bed. Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder and is not at all psychological in nature. It is thought to be related to neurotransmitter cells in the brain. What is Cataplexy? Cataplexy is the tendency to lose muscle control specifically during times of strong emotional response such as laughing or crying. Not all Narcoleptics suffer from cataplexy, but it is common. Cataplexy usually involves sudden weakness of muscles without loss of consciousness and of short duration. Cataplexy will usually respond well to medication. What are Sleep Paralysis & Hallucinations? Sleep Paralysis can be very frightening. Paralysis is a normal part of sleep that everybody experiences, however, in those suffering from Sleep Paralysis associated with Narcolepsy, sleep paralysis can occur while the person either going into, or coming out of sleep. Frequently, sleep paralysis will be associated with a dream like episode and sometimes hallucinations will occur and can be surpisingly realistic. Sleep Paralysis can also occur in people who do not suffer from Narcolepsy. It has been reported by some individuals that rapidly moving the eyes back and forth can snap one out of a state of sleep paralysis. Are Narcolepsy & Idiopathic Hypersomnia the same thing? No. While the symptoms of excessive sleepiness are similar, Idiopathic Hypersomnia is only diagnosed once other explanations for sleepiness have been eliminated. Therefore, to diagnose Idiopathic Hypersomnia, Narcolepsy is one of the conditions already ruled out. Idiopathic Hypersomnia, once other possible causes are ruled out, is often treated with the same medications used for Narcolepsy. What is a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)? In addition to a regular sleep study , for Narcolepsy to be diagnosed it is usual to undergo an additional type of study called a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT - sometimes called a Nap Test). The purposed of this test is to determine not only how quickly one falls to sleep, but also when they enter the REM sleep stage. A MSLT will usually be conducted during the day after an overnight sleep study. It will consist of a series of usually five naps, between which you are not allowed to fall asleep. You will remain wired with most of the wires from the previous nights study, so that brainwaves etc can be monitored to find out what sleep stages, if any, you enter while you nap How is Narcolepsy Treated? Narcolepsy is commonly treated with the use of stimulants. Some drugs used to treat Narcolepsy include:
Narcolepsy Links
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