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Narcolepsy: Not the average sleep disorder. By: Jonathan Bille  |
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 Narcolepsy, unlike the popular belief, isn’t caused by not getting enough sleep. You don’t get it because you have been staying up a little too late at night. Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that affects both men and women all over the world. However the prevalence rate does vary from country. It is estimated that in the United States, narcolepsy affect about one in every 2000 people, compared to one in every 500,000 in Israel and one in 600 in Japan.
There are four major symptoms associated with narcolepsy: excessive daytime sleep attacks, cataplexy, sleep paralysis and hallucinations.
Excessive daytime sleep attacks are the one symptom that seems to be experienced by all narcolepsy patients, and is characterized by a person who suddenly and uncontrollably falls into a sleep state. These attacks can occur at anytime, and can occur as many as ten times a day. These sleep attacks are not dangerous in themselves but can be dangerous if the person is driving or doing some other dangerous activity at the time.
Cataplexy is a sudden paralysis, loss of muscle tone, and weakness that usually occurs in response too some intense stimulus like heighten emotions, anger, fear, etc… People who experience cataplexy usually remain conscious during the attack yet their eyes are closed and they go completely limp and do not respond.
Sleep paralysis occurs when the person is just falling asleep or beginning to wake up. Even though the person is fully conscious, they can not move or speak. Like cataplexy, sleep paralysis lasts only a few moments and doesn’t cause any permanent damage or dysfunction.
Narcolepsy caused hallucinations can occur while falling asleep or when waking up and is usually vivid and frightening. Most hallucinations a visual but can include all the senses.
Because these symptoms can be caused by a variety of cause, narcolepsy is often misdiagnosed.
The cause of narcolepsy is still unknown and current treatments focus on treating the symptoms rather than addressing any cause. If you suffer from any or all of these symptoms, consider the following to help control how you are affected by these symptoms:
• A strong daily vitamin regiment: consider a full vitamin program that includes a multi-vitamin, calcium and magnesium, amino acids, and C and B complex. Other recommended products include, Co Q10, Choline, and Omega 3/6/9.
• Avoid alcohol and sugar.
• Exercise daily.
• Keep your home and work place well lit.
• Take a few naps. Although narcolepsy isn’t caused by a lack of sleep, getting more sleep has been helpful in many cases. Try to get a 30-40 minute nap everyday.
• Boost the immune system. There is some evidence that shows that the immune systems of those who suffer from narcolepsy does not react normally. Boosting up the immune system with antioxidants and herbal products like Echinacea can help calm narcolepsy symptoms.
Living with narcolepsy isn’t easy, but by making some minor changes to your life style you just may be able to get your symptoms under control.
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