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A Cure For Narcolepsy May Now Be Possible! Narcolepsy? What is that?
Narcolepsy is a neurological sleep disorder which can seriously disrupt your quality of life. It is the second biggest cause of daytime sleepiness after sleep apnea. Narcolepsy is difficult to diagnose, one reason for this is because sufferers don't always know they have a disease and consequently may not seek medical attention for years, thinking that their symptoms are just a normal part of life. Some of the symptoms of narcolepsy can be brought on by other disorders, which also adds to the problem. Narcolepsy can strike at any age although more commonly starts in the teenage to young adult years. It also affects more males than females. It is a neurological disorder of the processes which control sleep and wakefulness, particularly the regulation of REM and non REM sleep. Narcolepsy is genetic and can be inherited from one or both parents, even if they themselves show no symptoms. What are the symptoms of narcolepsy? Daytime sleepiness is the chief symptom. Although it doesn't sound that bad it can cause havoc in the lives of sufferers. Everything from your job to your social life can be affected. People who are afflicted can suffer an overwhelming need to go to sleep regardless of what thy are doing and whether or not they had slept well the previous night. These "sleepy" attacks can last from a few seconds and up to thirty minutes. Certain activities like driving a car become very hazardous when the body thinks its time to go to sleep. If your job involves operating machinery this can also be very dangerous. Due to the neurological nature of narcolepsy and the effect on REM sleep, dream like hallucinations can occur when you are awake. This can cause confusion and stress and can have a negative effect on your self confidence. Cataplexy is another symptom associated with narcolepsy. Not everyone who has narcolepsy exhibits cataplexy although the majority do. Cataplexy is the paralysis of the major muscles which, in severe cases, can cause a sufferer to collapse and be unable to move until the attack passes. Normal reflexes become disabled. It is frightening for the afflicted person and for those around them. Cataplexy usually strikes when you experience a strong emotion such as anger, sorrow or even amusement and laughter. The attack may last for a few seconds to a few minutes. Cataplexy is not life threatening in that it doesn’t affect the heart muscle or the breathing mechanisms but it can be unpleasant and embarrassing. Sleep paralysis is another symptom commonly associated with narcolepsy. Sleep paralysis can occur when falling asleep or on waking. You can find yourself unable to move. Fortunately this normally only lasts for a few minutes. Sleep paralysis is not a disorder in itself but is normally only experienced during the REM phase of sleep. Restless sleep and vivid dreams go hand in hand with narcolepsy. Insomnia, suddenly jerking awake and poor quality sleep can also by symptoms. What is the treatment for narcolepsy? Narcolepsy can be treated by addressing the symptoms. If it is properly diagnosed the treatment can usually be quite successful and you can live a relatively normal life. Treatment consists of the right medications for the symptoms. Stimulants may be prescribed for the daytime sleepiness while antidepressants may be prescribed for the cataplexy if present. Lifestyle changes such as having daytime naps, and keeping a regular sleep schedule will also help. Avoid too much exitement which could bring on an attack of cataplexy. If you suspect you have narcolepsy from reading this, seek treatment straight away. It could improve your life significantly. The more symptoms that are present, the easier the diagnosis. you may require a polysomnogram at a sleep clinic or a hospital with this facility. A multi sleep latency test may also be performed. Is there any cure for narcolepsy or cataplexy? Unfortunately not yet, but there is much research being done. Stanford University has isolated a faulty gene which may be responsible for the condition. This finding could affect future treatment and hopefully lead to a cure for this debilitating disorder. Visit the site at Stanford University for more information on research and on narcolepsy in general. Also to find out more about research Clinical trials a government information site will give details. Yet another useful site on narcolepsy is the Narcolepsy Network where you can get good information and sign up for a newsletter. For more information about Narcolepsy, please visit http://www.insomnia-connection.com |
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