WHAT IS NARCOLEPSY?

Narcolepsy is a neurological condition in which several factors combine to cause a person to be excessively sleepy or to fall asleep at random times. Research on the causes of narcolepsy is ongoing, but certain studies indicate that the condition could be inherited genetically.

There are 50,000 diagnosed cases of narcolepsy in the United States and over three million globally. Unfortunately, this condition is often confused or mistaken for mere laziness or even drug use, which makes claiming narcolepsy Social Security disability a difficult task for narcoleptic patients. Narcolepsy organizations and narcolepsy health articles continue to raise awareness toward this condition to increase society's understanding.

SYMPTOMS OF NARCOLEPSY

The main symptom of narcolepsy is excessive daytime sleepiness, or EDS. EDS in narcoleptics can occur even after a restful sleep the night before. Night time sleep for patients with narcolepsy is often irregular and interrupted, which contributes to daytime sleepiness. Sleep attacks, in which the narcoleptic suddenly and unavoidably falls into deep sleep at a random time, can occur.

Another common symptom associated with narcolepsy is cataplexy. During episodes of cataplexy, muscle function is lost to varying degrees. The cataplexy episode may cause anything from slurred speech to complete body collapse, though the patient remains conscious and awake during the episode.

Sleepwalking and sleeptalking are serious problems for patients with narcolepsy. Around 40 percent of narcoleptics exhibit such "automatic behavior" during sleep attacks, so that it appears they are awake, but when they wake up they are unable to remember what they did.

TREATMENT OF NARCOLEPSY

There is no cure for narcolepsy, but there are medications and lifestyle practices that can alleviate the effects of the condition.

First, a narcoleptic individual must make lifestyle choices. Certain jobs, which require long distance driving or any dangerous work, should be avoided because of the sudden sleep attacks. People in the narcoleptic's life must be made aware of the condition so that they will not mistake the sleepiness for laziness. A regular sleep schedule should be maintained so that the body can attempt to achieve regularity, and short fifteen-minute naps could help prevent sleep attacks.

Patients can also buy narcolepsy medication through their doctors. Current narcolepsy medicine will not cure the condition, but it will help to prevent or alleviate its symptoms. Nervous system stimulants can help prevent sleepiness. While many stimulants can be addictive and cause bipolar emotions, the Mayo Clinic says that Modafinil is one drug that is less addictive and has a less extreme effect on emotional state. Sodium oxybate is a medication that is used to help narcoleptics attain better sleep in the nighttime, however it can have serious side effects such as breathing difficulty and sleepwalking. Narcoleptics must also avoid medications that may cause drowsiness.

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