Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a relatively uncommon condition that affects the nervous system. People with narcolepsy - known as narcoleptics - suffer from an uncontrollable desire to sleep and from sudden attacks of sleep that can occur at any time.
Indeed, people with narcolepsy can fall asleep in the middle of a conversation, while driving or eating. Sleep episodes can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours if left undisturbed. It is, however, as easy to wake narcoleptics as if they were sleeping normally. These people may experience several episodes of sudden onset of sleep a day or only a few episodes a year. Narcolepsy is generally first noticed in teenagers and young adults.
Causes
The cause of narcolepsy has not yet been fully determined. Some common genes have been detected in people who have developed the disease, but they are not the triggering factor. A low level in the brain of a hormone called hypocretin is associated with one of the two types of narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is believed to be possibly the result of an autoimmune reaction. The affected person's body is attacked by its own immune system. Research in this area is ongoing.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of narcolepsy is, without a doubt, excessive daytime sleepiness. Since narcoleptics sleep during the day, their sleep at night is often of poor quality and may be interrupted by insomnia.
People with narcolepsy may also suffer from cataplexy, a condition characterized by the loss of voluntary muscle tone. Often triggered by strong emotional reactions (laughter, anger, etc.), cataplexy can affect a few muscles or the entire body. As a result of these emotional reactions, narcoleptics can lose all muscle function, collapse and drop to the ground. Although this symptom may seem serious and frightening at first, the affected people eventually become familiar with the condition and develop measures to help them cope. For example, to minimize the risk of falling, they may opt to sit rather than stand during a conversation.
Finally, certain sleep-related problems can occur. Narcoleptics may experience temporary but complete paralysis that prevents them from moving for a few seconds when falling asleep or waking up. They may also experience vivid dreams that project into the waking period. Specialists then refer to hallucinations because, as they happen while the person is awake, they cannot be classified as dreams. These types of hallucinations are primarily visual, auditory or tactile.
Treatment and Prevention
There is no cure or treatment for narcolepsy. Certain medications, however, can help alleviate symptoms. Stimulants are commonly used to fight daytime sleepiness. Certain types of antidepressants are also used to fight the symptoms associated with cataplexy, sleep paralysis and hallucinations. Adopting certain healthy habits may also help improve the situation:
- Develop a regular sleep routine - go to bed and get up at the same time - even on weekends
- Avoid alcohol and nicotine
- Avoid caffeine and eating before going to bed
- Avoid driving long distances
- Take short naps throughout the day
- Practise moderate exercise regularly