A sleep disorder called narcolepsy is frequently misunderstood. It is characterized by extreme and persistent daytime drowsiness, which can impede performance in academic, professional, and social contexts and increase the risk of catastrophic mishaps and injuries.
Hundreds of thousands of Americans, including both children and adults, suffer from narcolepsy, despite it being relatively uncommon in comparison to many other sleep disorders.
Patients and their loved ones can live with narcolepsy more successfully if they are aware of the many varieties of the condition, as well as its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and therapy.
Narcolepsy: What Is It?
Disorders that interfere with sleep-wake cycles include narcolepsy. The brain’s inability to effectively regulate alertness and sleep results in its main symptom, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS).
Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep happens in the last stage of normal sleep, which often happens an hour or more after falling asleep. REM sleep is erratic and frequently starts shortly after falling asleep in narcolepsy, which is significantly earlier than usual.
Types of Narcolepsies
There are two forms of narcolepsy, type 1 (NT1) and type 2, according to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, Third Edition (ICSD-3) (NT2).
Narcolepsy Type 1
Cataplexy, which is the abrupt decrease of muscular tone, is a symptom of NT1. In the past, NT1 was referred to as “narcolepsy with cataplexy.”
Cataplexy ultimately happens in a considerable proportion of patients with low levels of hypocretin-1, even if it is not apparent at the time of diagnosis.
Narcolepsy Type 2
In the past, NT2 was referred to as “narcolepsy without cataplexy.” NT2 patients share many of the same symptoms as NT1 patients, but they do not experience cataplexy or have low levels of hypocretin-1.
Symptoms of Narcolepsy
We can dream and experience muscular paralysis during REM sleep, which helps to explain some narcolepsy symptoms. These signs might consist of:
Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS):
EDS generally makes it more difficult to carry out daily tasks, even if you receive enough sleep at night.
Cataplexy:
Depending on the muscles involved, this might result in issues ranging from slurred speech to total bodily collapse.
Hallucinations:
These hallucinations can strike at any time and are frequently vivid and terrifying. Although any of the other senses can be involved, they are mostly visual.
Sleep paralysis:
When you are about to fall asleep or wake up, you might not be able to move or talk. The duration of these episodes ranges from a few seconds to many minutes.
Lack of sleep:
Vivid dreams, respiratory issues, or nighttime bodily movements can all make it difficult for you to stay asleep.
Conditions and Behaviors Associated with Narcolepsy
Some narcoleptics also experience associated issues, such as:
PLMD – Periodic limb movement disorder:
Many times, throughout the night, your leg muscles will move without your control.
Sleep apnea:
While you sleep, your breathing frequently pauses and resumes.
Automatic reaction:
You nod off while performing a routine task, such as walking, chatting, or driving. During sleep, you carry out the action, and when you awaken, you have no recollection of what you did.
Treatment for Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy has no treatment options available. However, the following therapies can lessen your symptoms:
- Modifications in the way of life
- Energizers for treating drowsiness
- Antidepressants to address REM sleep issues
- Treatment of cataplexy with sodium oxybate (Xyrem, Xywav)
- For extended lengths of time, use Solriamfetol (Sunosi) or Pitolisant (Wakix).
Final Thoughts —
People may also suffer from other sleep problems, such as obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, or insomnia.
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