What is Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by a frequent and sometimes uncontrollable desire for sleep. This can result into sudden lapses into sleep at any time, any place. The result is that normal patterns and rhythms of sleeping become abnormal. For example, someone suffering from narcolepsy may end up sleeping several times during the day and then having trouble sleeping at night.

Irregular sleeping patterns are not only inconvenient, they can have medical, emotional, and psychological consequences.

What are the Two Types of Narcolepsy?

There are two types of Narcolepsy, Type 1 and Type 2. The difference between both types is whether or not Cataplexy is present with the Narcolepsy.

Cataplexy is an episode in which strong emotion causes a sudden loss of muscle tone, which is what keeps our bodies upright. Cataplexy can result in a full body collapse, or something less severe like slack jaw.

Type 1 Narcolepsy includes the presence of Cataplexy. Type 2 Narcolepsy does not include Cataplexy. Around 75% of Narcoleptics have Type 1.

What are Symptoms of Narcolepsy?

The symptoms of Narcolepsy include:

• Sleep attacks
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Cataplexy
• Sleep paralysis, which is a temporary inability to move or sleep after waking
• Hallucinations, which are temporary, vivid, dream-like visions or delusions
• Disrupted nighttime sleep

What Causes Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is causes by the loss of a brain chemical called hypocretins. This chemical is a neurotransmitter that is involved in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. Without their presence, the body is unable to adequately regulate sleep.

While it is not understood exactly what causes the loss of hypocretins, there is evidence that a combination of genetic and environmental factors as causes.

Researchers have also identified a gene that is linked to narcolepsy, which occurs in about one quarter of the U.S. population.

Facts about Narcolepsy?

Fortunately, narcolepsy does not affect many people – it is relatively rare.

• Affects about 1 in every 2000 people
• It is estimated that only 25% of people with narcolepsy have actually received a formal diagnoses
• Symptoms generally begins to appear in people between the ages of 10-30 years old.
• Average time to diagnoses after onset of symptoms is about 7 years,

What are the Risks of Narcolepsy?

Because of the symptoms of Narcolepsy, there are certain safety dangers associated with this sleep disorder, such as driving accidents. Additionally, the sleep deprivation that can result from Narcolepsy include:

• Lower life expectancy
• Sleep deprivation linked to heart disease and stroke [source]
• Decreased immune function (in one study, people who received less than 7 hours of sleep were three times more likely to develop a cold than those with 8 hours or more of sleep)
• Strong link of sleep deprivation to weight gain
• Lower glucose metabolism and Type 2 diabetes risk [source]
• Link to increased inflammation [source] (those of you with IBS or other bowel-disorders may have already noticed a relationship between your gut and your sleep)

Can Narcolepsy be Treated?

Narcolepsy diagnosis requires a sleep study. Fortunately, this sleep disorder can be treated with medications and lifestyle adjustments.

If this article sounds like something you have been dealing with, then please contact us for further discussion by clicking the orange button below to take a free online sleep test.