Sleep disorders: An Introduction to Narcolepsy

Sleep disorders are conditions that interrupt regular sleep patterns. They are caused by a bodily disorder or an excessive amount of stress. Sleep problems are becoming increasingly frequent across the world. Most individuals frequently experience difficulty falling asleep as a result of stress, hectic schedules, and other outside influences. But if these problems start to happen frequently and get in the way of everyday living, they can be signs of a sleeping disorder.

Narcolepsy is a common sleep condition that many individuals experience. Uncontrollably falling asleep during the day and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) are common symptoms of narcolepsy, a chronic neurological illness marked by disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle. Other symptoms including cataplexy, sleep paralysis, hypnagogic hallucinations, and disturbed nighttime sleep can also be experienced by individuals with narcolepsy.

Here are some important characteristics of narcolepsy.

• Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: People with narcolepsy often have chronic and excessive daytime tiredness, no matter how much sleep they obtain at night. Excessive sleepiness can cause disruptions to daily routines and trigger "sleep attacks," which are unexpected, uncontrollable episodes of daytime sleepiness.

• Cataplexy: Strong emotions like laughing, excitement, or rage can cause cataplexy, which is characterized by a sudden decrease in muscular tone or weakness. Cataplexy can range from moderate muscular weakness, such as drooping eyelids or garbled speech, to full collapse. Although it's not a common symptom of narcolepsy, cataplexy is a common reaction to the illness.

• Sleep Paralysis: Sleep paralysis is the inability to move or talk when falling asleep or waking up. It may be accompanied by hallucinations and feelings of pressure or suffocation. Sleep paralysis can be terrifying, but it is typically short and resolves itself.

• Hypnagogic Hallucinations: Hypnagogic hallucinations are vivid, dream-like experiences that occur when you fall asleep or wake up. They may be vivid and terrifying, including touch, auditory, or visual senses. These hallucinations frequently coexist with paralysis during sleep.

• Disrupted Nighttime Sleep: Despite excessive daytime drowsiness, people with narcolepsy may also have disturbed nighttime sleep, such as frequent awakenings, fragmented sleep, and irregular rapid eye movement (REM) sleep patterns.

Narcolepsy is caused by a mix of genetic, environmental, and autoimmune causes. It is frequently diagnosed with a complete medical history, physical examination, and sleep tests such as polysomnography and repeated sleep latency testing. 

Narcolepsy is often treated with a combination of medications, including stimulants to assist manage excessive daytime drowsiness and antidepressants such as modafinil and armodafinil to promote nighttime sleep and reduce cataplexy symptoms. Narcolepsy symptoms can also be effectively managed by making lifestyle changes including sticking to a regular sleep schedule, avoiding alcohol and caffeine close to bedtime, and taking short naps during the day.