Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep.

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that affects your ability to wake and sleep. Usually people with narcolepsy have excessive, uncontrollable daytime sleepiness. They can also suddenly fall asleep at any time during any type of activity throughout the day.  

There are two types of narcolepsy:

  • Type 1 narcolepsy: which is narcolepsy with cataplexy. People with type 1 narcolepsy have excessive daytime sleepiness plus cataplexy and/or low levels of a chemical in the rain called hypocretin ( a hormone produced in the hypothalamus that exerts important influences over sleep, arousal, appetite and energy).
  • Type 2 narcolepsy: people with type 2 narcolepsy have excessive daytime sleepiness but do not have cataplexy and have normal levels of hypocretin.  

Symptoms:

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Hallucinations  
  • Sleep paralysis
  • Disrupted sleep
  • Cataplexy: cataplexy is a sudden loss of muscle control.  

Symptoms

Prevalence

The DSM-5 Narcolepsy affects both men and women, with slightly more men diagnosed. Narcolepsy typically begins in the teens and early twenties, but occasionally occurs as early as five years of age or after 40 years of age.

Prognosis

There is no cure for narcolepsy. It is a life-long sleeping disorder. However, it usually does not worsen with age. The use of medications and lifestyle changes can help improve narcolepsy symptoms.

When to seek help

You should see a doctor if your experience excessive daytime sleepiness that disrupts your personal or professional life.

Treatment

  • Medications  
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy: CBT could be a useful way to deal with associated anxiety or to assist with making lifestyle changes which could improve the symptoms.  
  • Lifestyle changes like taking short naps, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine or alcohol before going to bed, exercising daily, avoiding large meals right before bedtime, and relaxing before bed.