Your first association with narcolepsy is probably falling asleep instantly. Today we will expand your understanding and knowledge.
What is narcolepsy?
In short – a sleep disorder that disrupts the processes responsible for sleep and wakefulness. This disorder leads to excessive sleepiness, which is the main symptom of narcolepsy. People suffering from this condition cannot stay awake for a long time.
Normal sleep occurs in phases, with the REM phase being the last, usually about an hour after the initial fall asleep. Narcoleptic sleep works differently – REM sleep becomes irregular and begins within a few minutes of falling asleep, which is much earlier than normal.
Types of narcolepsy
Type 1: It is associated with low levels of hypocretin-1 (a chemical that controls wakefulness). This deficiency leads to cataplexy – a sudden loss of muscle tone. It is important to note that not everyone diagnosed with type 1 narcolepsy experiences cataplexy episodes, but a large proportion of people will experience them sooner or later.
Type 2: The difference here is that hypocretin levels are normal, and cataplexy is absent. Unfortunately, narcolepsy can progress from type 2 to type 1.
How common is narcolepsy?
The short answer is quite rare.
According to US statistics, narcolepsy affects between 20 and 67 people out of every 100,000 Americans. Type 1 is 3 times more common than Type 2. Narcolepsy sufferers do not differ much in terms of gender or age. It can be triggered at any time, but most often the first symptoms appear around the age of 15 and again around 35.
What are the symptoms?
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Disturbed nighttime sleep
Sleep paralysis
Sleep hallucinations
Cataplexy – a sudden loss of muscle control and tone. It usually occurs in response to a strong emotion such as laughter or excitement. It affects both sides of the body and lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes. Some people experience cataplexy several times a year, while others experience it several times a day.
What are the risks of narcolepsy?
Narcoleptics are more prone to cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, as well as psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
The drowsiness that accompanies narcolepsy is a prerequisite for accidents of all kinds. The same is true for cataplexy. According to studies, people suffering from narcolepsy are 3 to 4 times more likely to get into an accident.
Narcolepsy interferes with performance at school or work. Sleepiness interferes with attention, leading to behavioral problems.
What causes narcolepsy?
Type 1: is associated with the loss of neurons in the brain that are responsible for producing hypocretin. People with type 1 narcolepsy have about 90% less hypocretin than normal. Possible causes include genetic changes and an autoimmune reaction.
Type 2: is thought to have the same causes, but to a lesser extent, as hypocretin levels are normal there.
How is it diagnosed?
Due to overlapping symptoms with other diseases, narcolepsy can go unnoticed for years. To make a diagnosis, polysomnography (a study of the brain and body activity during sleep) is performed - the duration and sequence of sleep phases are looked at to determine if there is any deviation. A lumbar puncture is also an option to check hypocretin levels in the cerebrospinal fluid.
How is narcolepsy treated?
The condition cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. Here are some ways:
- Schedule short naps, as they refresh the body and brain and reduce daytime sleepiness.
- Maintain good sleep hygiene – a regular bedtime and wake-up schedule, improvements to your sleeping environment, and avoiding screens before bed.
- Avoid alcohol and other sedatives
- Exercise and eat a balanced diet to minimize the risks of developing secondary health conditions and diseases
These tips are good even if you don’t suffer from narcolepsy. Take care of your sleep, and we’ll make sure to tell you more interesting things related to it.
