Narcolepsy Symptoms Include Drowsiness and in Some Unusual Cases Sleep Paralysis
Treatment Can Alleviate Some of These Effects
Narcolepsy is a curious sleep disorder in that it brings about sudden and uncontrollable
episodes of deep sleep at any time and anywhere - even in the daytime. Unlike normal sleepiness, narcolepsy symptoms are characterized by
uncontrollable drowsiness, paralysis, and a literal loss of control. Even though this disorder is often cast as a humorous condition in comedies,
there's nothing funny about this sleep disorder. Narcolepsy is extremely dangerous for individuals working in a kitchen,
a factory, or for individuals who drive. This article describes some of the symptoms of narcolepsy, the difference between narcolepsy and
sleepiness, the effect that this disorder has on individuals, and treatment.
Daytime Problems
To further complicate things, the symptoms of narcolepsy can ironically cause sleep deprivation and insomnia because its victim never really gets a full night's rest. This does not suggest that its sufferer's
sleep more than the average person. Instead, it means that its victims can not follow a normal sleeping routine so they're prone to sleep in the
daytime and be awake at night.
Working on the central nervous system, narcolepsy impairs the body's natural ability to regulate sleep and it sends mixed messages to the
body. These messages incorrectly tell the body when to sleep, confuse the brain, and ultimately bring its sufferer to a state of lull,
sleepiness, and paralysis.
Cataplexy and Hallucinations
Sleepiness however, isn't the only symptom of narcolepsy. Individuals who suffer from narcolepsy experience other symptoms as well - one of
which is cataplexy. Cataplexy is a condition caused by an overwhelming shock or extreme fear and it's marked by rigidity of the muscles. In
addition to cataplexy, they may suffer from hypnagogic hallucinations or dreams - hallucinations and dreams which occur while they're sleep or in
the daytime. Another symptom of narcolepsy, like hallucinations, is sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis is typically experienced during sleep in
normal individuals, however narcoleptics are prone to sleep paralysis at night or in the daytime.
Automatic behavior also plays a harmful role in narcolepsy. This particular symptom brings about events such as sleep walking or talking in
one's sleep. For the narcoleptic, these unfortunate events occur during sleep but they're not remembered upon waking.
Treatment
No cause of narcolepsy, accompanied by cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations, or automatic behavior, has been yet solidified, however genetics
and a virus are the currently suspected culprits of this sleep disorder. Its treatment can involve medication and behavioral changes,
individually or combined. Medication as a treatment, includes drugs designed to stimulate the nervous system, reduce daytime sleepiness, and keep
a narcoleptic awake during the appropriate times. Behavioral changes as a treatment, encourage following a rigid sleep routine, staying
physically mobile during appropriate times, and avoiding caffeine and/or nicotine.
See Also: Stage 4 Sleep Deprivation
About The Author:
Nicole Miller is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.sleep-disorders-help.com.
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