Symptoms
They include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness. People with narcolepsy fall asleep without warning, anywhere, anytime. ...
- Sudden loss of muscle tone. ...
- Sleep paralysis. ...
- Changes in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. ...
- Hallucinations. ...
Causes
What to Eat
- Follow a heart-healthy diet. Narcolepsy increases your risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure. ...
- Try a low-carb diet. When you eat a big, high-carb meal, your body makes less of the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates wakefulness.
- Consider a keto diet. ...
- Try caffeine. ...
- Avoid alcohol. ...
Prevention
What Is Narcolepsy and Can It Be Cured? Narcolepsy, characterized by falling asleep unexpectedly during the day, generally affects young people between 15 and 25, though it can be found in all age groups as it carries forward. Scientists have yet to identify the cause of narcolepsy, but many trace it largely to genes.
Complications
Top 10 Reasons You May Want to See a Neurologist
- Headaches. Headaches are something we all experience. ...
- Chronic pain. Chronic pain is pain that lasts for months or even years. ...
- Dizziness. Dizziness can come in different varieties. ...
- Numbness or tingling. ...
- Weakness. ...
- Movement problems. ...
- Seizures. ...
- Vision problems. ...
- Memory problems or confusion. ...
- Sleep problems. ...
What are the five signs of narcolepsy?
What is a good diet for someone with narcolepsy?
What is narcolepsy, and can it be cured?
What kind of doctor should I See for my narcolepsy?
What is the best medicine for narcolepsy?
Medications for narcolepsy include: Stimulants. Drugs that stimulate the central nervous system are the primary treatment to help people with narcolepsy stay awake during the day. Doctors often try modafinil (Provigil) or armodafinil (Nuvigil) first for narcolepsy.
How to help someone with narcolepsy?
Stop for naps and exercise breaks whenever you feel drowsy. Don't drive if you feel too sleepy. Support groups and counseling can help you and your loved ones cope with narcolepsy. Ask your doctor to help you locate a group or qualified counselor in your area.
What is the diagnosis of narcolepsy?
Your doctor may make a preliminary diagnosis of narcolepsy based on your excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden loss of muscle tone (cataplexy). After an initial diagnosis, your doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist for further evaluation.
How to get rid of sleepiness?
Stick to a schedule. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends. Take naps. Schedule short naps at regular intervals during the day. Naps of 20 minutes at strategic times during the day may be refreshing and reduce sleepiness for one to three hours. Some people may need longer naps.
What is sleep history?
Your doctor will ask you for a detailed sleep history. A part of the history involves filling out the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, which uses a series of short questions to gauge your degree of sleepiness. For instance, you indicate on a numbered scale how likely it is that you would doze off in certain situations, such as sitting down after lunch.
What is the test that measures the amount of time you sleep?
It measures periods of activity and rest and provides an indirect measure of how and when you sleep. Polysomnography. This test measures a variety of signals during sleep using electrodes placed on your scalp. For this test, you must spend a night at a medical facility.
Is Xyrem good for narcolepsy?
Sodium oxybate (Xyrem). This medication is highly effective for cataplexy. Sodium oxybate helps to improve nighttime sleep, which is often poor in narcolepsy. In high doses it may also help control daytime sleepiness. It must be taken in two doses, one at bedtime and one up to four hours later.
What are the best medications for narcolepsy?
Drugs that act as stimulants and/or reduce the other symptoms of narcolepsy are standard treatments for the condition. They include: Armodafinil ( Nuvigil ): This drug is similar to Provigil. It is also used to reduce excessive daytime sleepiness. Headache and nausea are the most common side effects. Methylphenidate Hcl ( Daytrana, Ritalin ...
How to help narcolepsy stay awake?
It has proven effective in helping patients stay awake for longer periods of time. Home Remedies for Narcolepsy. There are several things you can do at home to help improve the symptoms of narcolepsy and include the following: Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
How to stay alert during the day?
Exerciseregularly. Staying active can boost energy levels and keep you more alert during the day. Just be sure to avoid exercising within 3 hours of bedtime.
Does Pitolisant work on histamine receptors?
It acts on the histamine receptors and mimics histamine. Pitolisant uses the histamine receptors to prompt your brain to stay awake. Solriamfetol ( Sunosi ): This dual-acting dopamine and norepinephrinere uptake inhibitor is also used to treat narcolepsy.
Can narcolepsy be taken one day a week?
Therefore, some doctors advise people with narcolepsy to abstain from taking it one day each week (typically on a weekend).
Can narcolepsy be treated with alternative medicine?
Complementary or alternative medicine alone can’t treat narcolepsy, but it may help with symptoms. Options include:
Does Methylphenidate help with sleepiness?
Methylphenidate ( Aptensio XR, Concerta, Cotempla XR-ODT, Daytrana, Metadate ER, Methylin, QuilliChew ER, Quillivant XR, Ritalin, and Ritalin LA ): Methylphenidate helps to reduce excessive daytime sleepiness and improves alertness. Side effects include headache, irritability, nervousness, and gastrointestinal problems. Nighttime sleep may be impaired, thus decreasing sleep time. There are concerns that this drug may become ineffective if used continuously for long periods. Therefore, some doctors advise people with narcolepsy to abstain from taking it one day each week (typically on a weekend). During that day, the person should not engage in activities that require being awake, such as driving.
What is a sleep disorder that causes uncontrollable sleepiness and frequent daytime sleep?
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder associated with uncontrollable sleepiness and frequent daytime sleeping.
Does a drug have multiple schedules?
The drug has multiple schedules. The schedule may depend on the exact dosage form or strength of the medication.
Is there a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision?
Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
Is abuse a low potential for abuse relative to those in Schedule 4?
Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4.
What are the symptoms of narcolepsy?
The key symptom of narcolepsy is#N#A) dreaming in color.#N#B) an attack of sleep during the day.#N#C) anxiety and fear during the waking period.#N#D) rapid movements of the eyes. #N#E) the inability to fall asleep.
When do stages 3 and 4 of slow wave sleep occur?
D) Stages 3 and 4 of slow-wave sleep mostly occur in the early morning hours.
How long does a non-REM cycle last?
A) Each non-REM/REM cycle lasts about 45 minutes.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Clinical Trials
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Coping and Support
Preparing For Your Appointment
- There is no cure for narcolepsy, but medications and lifestyle modifications can help you manage the symptoms.