Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by a frequent and sometimes uncontrollable desire for sleep – aka sleep attacks. While the cliché of someone with narcolepsy suddenly falling asleep mid-sentence is not common, it is true that these sleep attacks can be intense and often require people with narcolepsy to make lifestyle adjustment to work around them.
The end result is of untreated narcolepsy tends to be irregular patterns and rhythms of sleeping. For example, someone suffering from narcolepsy may end up sleeping several times during the day and then having trouble sleeping at night. Poor sleeping patterns are not only inconvenient, they can also lead to sleep deprivation which will affect every aspect of your life.
There are two types of Narcolepsy, Type 1 and Type 2. The difference between both types of narcolepsy 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.
Around 75% of Narcoleptics have Type 1.
Narcolepsy is not common, and is in fact relatively rare. Here are some facts about its prevalence:
Narcolepsy is caused by the loss of a brain chemical called hypocretins:
Researchers have also identified a gene that is linked to narcolepsy, which about one quarter of the U.S. population carries. While identifying this gene seems initially promising of early diagnoses, only about 1 in 500 people with this gene will develop narcolepsy, which makes it a rather unhelpful find.
Narcolepsy symptoms can feel and appear similar to other issues that cause chronic fatigue. The primary symptoms of narcolepsy are:
Because of the symptoms of Narcolepsy, there are certain safety dangers associated with this sleep disorder, such as driving accidents. What is means is that many occupations are likely not suitable for someone with narcolepsy, such as:
Additionally, the sleep deprivation that can result from Narcolepsy include risks like:
A narcolepsy diagnosis require a sleep study.
This sleep disorder can be treated fairly well with medications and lifestyle adjustments, though there will likely always be “hoops to jump through” – i.e., accommodations for narcolepsy symptoms.
If this article describes any symptoms you may be experiencing, then please contact us for further discussion.