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Narcolepsy is a neurological condition most characterized by Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS), episodes of sleep, and dysfunction of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep.
The EDS can be quite overwhelming, and people suffering from Narcolepsy may fall asleep (from a waking state straight to REM sleep - skipping the intervening stages of sleep) at any time spontaneously and unwillingly, even after having an adequate night of sleep.
Narcolepsy - The Management of a Common Sleep Disorder
by Donald Saunders
Narcolepsy, a chronic and commonly diagnosed sleep disorder, affects over a quarter of a million Americans each year (approximately one person in every two thousand). Characterized by the bodys inability to properly regulate sleep, narcolepsys most obvious symptoms can include cataplexy (involuntary loss of muscle control), "automatic" behaviors (performing regular, mundane tasks by rote), hallucinations and paralysis during sleep.
However, narcolepsy is most commonly associated with the onset of "mini sleeps" or "sleep attacks" during the day. These narcoleptic episodes (often referred to as EDS or excessive daytime sleepiness) occur when the individual is suddenly overcome by the urge to sleep. The resulting state of narcolepsis can pass within a few seconds or it can last for more than half an hour.
Relatively recent medical research identifies narcolepsy as a genetically based sleep regulation disorder that usually emerges during the middle and late teenage years. However, strong evidence also suggests that some forms of the condition can be caused by head trauma or brain injury. Regardless of the cause, because the characteristics of narcolepsy can also be symptomatic of other, similar sleep disorders, a thorough medical evaluation (often including a variety of overnight sleep tests) is required for a correct diagnosis.
Although scientists continue to close in on the genes connected with the onset of narcolepsy, treatments for narcoleptics still vary widely. Common treatments include the use of approved prescription drugs, such as modafinil and selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors like fluoxitine and sertroline, to treat the excessive daytime sleepiness.
In large part however the management of narcolepsy depends upon what appears most effective for the individual, and because no cure exists at this time, the available treatments primarily address the sleep disorders symptoms.
For most narcoleptics a combination of prescription medications, natural sleep remedies and behavioral strategies prove the best means of effectively managing their narcolepsy. This pro-active approach to dealing with the condition involves simple lifestyle adjustments to enhance the quality and duration of each nights sleep (including dietary changes and the use of regular exercise) as well as actively managed sleep cycles that incorporate short, scheduled naps. A variety of natural sleep remedies can also successfully help narcoleptics manage their condition.
Herbal teas and infusions can effectively help to induce and enhance the bodys natural sleep cycle and offer a healthful alternative to sleeping pills. Supplementary melatonin (the hormone produced as part of the bodys natural sleep cycle) may also help narcoleptics enjoy a better nights sleep. Guided meditation and relaxation, chromatherapy and aromatherapy can also prove valuable natural enhancements to the successful management of narcolepsy.
Copyright © 2005 Donald Saunders http://help-me-to-sleep.com
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Donald Saunders is the author of a number of health related publications including: "Help Me To Sleep - A Guide To Natural Sleep Remedies", "Jet Lag - An Alternative Approach", "Shift Work Insomnia" and "The Art of Meditation - A Guide To Meditation, Breathing and Relaxation Techniques" For further details please visit Narcolepsy
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This Website is intended to provide assistance and information to people who suffer from Narcolepsy or are in learning more about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Narcolepsy, or who may be worried about the possible Narcolepsy of friends, family, or relatives.
While the articles on this Website were written with great care, errors or omissions may occur. The information is provided "as-is", without any warranty whether expressed or implied. All readers agree to use the information provided on this site entirely at their own risk.
The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a basis for any form of diagnosis or treatment for any medical condition whatsoever - including Narcolepsy.
Always seek the advice of a professional medical doctor.
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