Narcolepsy Treatment

Narcolepsy, or hypersomnia, is a chronic and incurable sleep disorder that causes the sufferer to fall asleep uncontrollably for periods of time throughout the day and to have poor quality sleep at night. It is estimated that one in two thousand people may suffer from the disorder.

Causes of Narcolepsy

No one is sure of the exact causes of narcolepsy. While it is not considered to be a genetic disease, researchers believe that there may be some genetic component. In comparing samples of spinal fluid, people who have narcolepsy appear to have a deficiency of a brain chemical called hypocretin, which helps regulate sleep.

While the disease typically first appears in patients between the ages of 10 and 25, it can affect people of any age, race or gender. Narcolepsy can also develop due to brain injuries, infections, hormone imbalances and/or stress.

Symptoms of Narcolepsy

Symptoms of narcolepsy are quite specific, although the severity of each symptom may vary from person to person. Here are some of the common symptoms of narcolepsy:
  • Automatic behavior causes a narcoleptic to keep performing an action even though they are asleep. A narcoleptic may fall asleep while cooking or writing, for example, and continue to perform the task.

  • Cataplexy is a sudden loss of muscle control that may cause slurred speech and/or the inability to move. Major muscles may grow weak or paralyzed for a few seconds or a few minutes.

    Sudden, intense emotion, including sudden fear or laughter, may bring on cataplexy.

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is marked by confusion, fatigue and general sleepiness during the day.

  • Hallucinations may occur during the period when you are partially awake. They are similar to nightmares but are more vivid in terms of sensory impressions.

  • Sleep paralysis prevents you from being able to control your body for a few seconds as you fall asleep or begin to awaken.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Narcolepsy

The first step for anyone who thinks they are experiencing symptoms of narcolepsy is to get an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor will send you to a sleep disorder clinic for evaluation, where two types of tests may be conducted:
  • Polysomnogram (PSG): A PSG is performed while you sleep and tracks different bodily functions, including heart rate, brain activity and eye muscle activity.

  • Multiple sleep latency test (MSLT): The MSLT is conducted during the day and tracks daytime sleepiness by analyzing brain waves, heart rate, muscle activity and eye movements.

Lifestyle Changes to Treat Narcolepsy

While there is no cure for narcolepsy, lifestyle changes and appropriate medications can help you function better.

If you have been diagnosed with narcolepsy, it is important to follow a healthy lifestyle. Regular daily exercise will improve your overall health, improve sleep quality and help stave off weight gain and depression.

Smoking and drinking alcohol will disrupt sleep, so it's best to avoid them. Use sleep medications only with your doctor's supervision. Over-the-counter medications can negatively interact with prescription medications, so discuss them with your doctor.

A regular daytime nap schedule may help provide some structure to your life and help improve your energy during the day. You may also need to adjust your work schedule and limit or stop driving.

A good support system is important for narcoleptics. Your doctor can suggest support groups or counseling, where you may learn ways to cope with the stress of living with narcolepsy.

Medical Interventions for Narcolepsy

Your doctor may suggest using one or more prescription medications to control the symptoms of narcolepsy. Amphetamines may be prescribed to improve daytime alertness, although these medications have a number of side effects, including a danger of dependence.

Modafinil is a newer drug that helps with daytime alertness without the extreme highs and lows that may be caused by amphetamines.

Xyrem is a new drug that can help with the symptoms of cataplexy. It is a tightly controlled drug due to side effects, so talk to your doctor.

Anti-depressant medications may improve sleep quality at night by helping to regulate sleep cycles and by helping to alleviate depression caused by narcolepsy.

While narcolepsy is an incurable disease, with lifestyle modifications and good medical care, you can continue to live a positive and productive life.

Resources

Mayo Clinic (2007). Narcolepsy. Retrieved January 24, 2007 from the Mayo Clinic Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/narcolepsy/DS00345.

National Institute of Health (2007). Narcolepsy. Retrieved January 24, 2007 from the National Institute of Health Web site: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/nar/nar_what.html.

WebMD (2007). Men's Sleep Apnea Increases Heart Problems. Retrieved on January 24, 2007 from the WebMD Web site: http://www.webmd.com/content/article/102/106628.htm.

WebMD (2007). New Stroke Risk Factor: Sleep Apnea. Retrieved on January 24, 2007 from the Web MD Web site: http://www.webmd.com/content/article/115/111500.htm.

WebMD (2007). Sleep Disorders: Narcolepsy. Retrieved on January 24, 2007 from the WebMD Web site: http://www.webmd.com/content/article/105/107670.htm.

WebMD (2007). Sleep Disorders: Sleep Apnea. Retrieved on January 24, 2007 from the WebMD Web site: http://www.webmd.com/content/article/105/107658.htm.