Types of Narcolepsy Sleep Disorders, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

 

If you experience excessive daytime sleepiness, you may have Narcolepsy sleep disorder. The common cause is low hypocretin neurotransmitter. The symptoms include sleepiness during the day, fragmented sleep, brain fog, and others. Being a long-term neurological problem, it also results in abnormal REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. This can escalate into muscle weakness temporarily, leading to cataplexy or body collapse. Narcolepsy can affect your daily life and overall health. In this post, we will discuss Narcolepsy symptoms and treatment in detail.

Types of Narcolepsy, Sleepiness Symptoms, and More

Usually, in a sleep cycle, you enter the first stage of sleep, delving deeper when REM sleep takes place after 60 to 90 minutes. However, Narcolepsy causes REM to happen in 15 minutes instead of during the hours you are still awake, causing muscle paralysis and lucid dreams. Here are the types of Narcolepsy and their symptoms:

·        Type 1 Narcolepsy causes cataplexy and sleepiness. The affected person may completely lack the hypocretin neurotransmitter. This can happen because of an autoimmune condition, caused by an infection.

·        Type 2 Narcolepsy, along with excessive daytime sleepiness because of a tumor or trauma impacting the hypothalamus. The condition may, however, not result in sudden weakness.

·        As discussed, sleepiness during the daytime is a common occurrence. However, it may also lead to a disturbed nighttime sleep schedule, hypnagogic hallucinations, cataplexy, and sleep paralysis.

·        In cataplexy, the person encounters sleepiness along with a few minutes of muscle weakness (occurs as an attack, suddenly) impacting the knees, neck, and face.

·        Some individuals encounter mild weakness only like jaw or head drop. These can risk sudden accidents and falls. Triggers for Cataplexy include strong emotions such as anger, laughter, surprise, etc.

·        In hypnagogic hallucinations, you encounter frightening sensory episodes during the early stages of sleep. As a result, the person may experience dreaming and wakefulness simultaneously with REM sleep.

·        The persistent sleepiness causes the affected individual to sleep away at intervals throughout the day. Thus, sleeping at odd hours is possible along with symptoms of decreased energy, brain fog, depressed mood, poor concentration, exhaustion, and memory lapses.

Narcolepsy Treatment and the Way Beyond

While Narcolepsy causes the above symptoms, it can lead to a serious outcome i.e. sleep paralysis. Here, the individual is unable to speak or move during waking hours or when falling asleep. The condition is sudden and lasts for several minutes or a few seconds. After the paralysis leaves, the person can regain movement and speaking ability once again. So, is there any treatment for Narcolepsy? The fact is, no there is no cure for the condition.

However, lifestyle changes and certain medical treatments can give some relief from Narcolepsy symptoms, which we will discuss below:

·        Behavior modification such as taking 15 to 20 minutes through the day at intervals can help. You may be prescribed a stimulant for the central nervous system to protect against sleepiness.

·        The medication options are Armodafinil, Dexamphetamine, Modafinil, Methylphenidate, etc. Some medicines are habit-forming, so discuss the safety of alternatives with your physician beforehand.

·        Lifestyle tips include following a regular sleep routine, taking naps often during the day, adhering to the treatment advised by a doctor, avoiding alcohol and caffeine for several hours before bedtime, and exercising daily for 20 minutes at least. However, do not workout 4 to 5 hours before going to sleep.

·        Management of cataplexy is possible with some antidepressants. However, these may lead to changes in heart rhythm, high blood pressure, and other side effects. The physician may adjust the dosage as the symptoms reduce.

·        For a better quality of life when coping with Narcolepsy, one may seek emotional support from trusted ones and counseling for mental health.

·        To treat poor nighttime sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, and cataplexy, your healthcare provider may recommend Sodium Oxybate. It is an effective medicine with few side effects only and rare interactions.

·        If you have Narcolepsy sleep disorder, avoid activities that threaten your health such as driving and operating heavy machinery if symptoms are sudden and frequent.

·        You should try to relax and practice calming techniques before bedtime such as meditation and drinking soothing teas or concoctions that promote good sleep. Avoid smoking before bedtime and sleep by adjusting the temperature to a comfortable one for the room.

To Conclude

Living with Narcolepsy can seem challenging. However, it is possible to win over the symptoms and other consequences of this sleeping disorder by seeking medical treatment and changing lifestyle to better adjust to the health issue. Gradually, you can experience an improved life and a smooth day-to-day schedule, where disrupted sleep, or sleeping at unusual times, may hopefully reduce.