Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder. It happens when the brain has trouble controlling sleeping and waking. This can cause things like extreme sleepiness, sudden sleep attacks, and sudden, brief muscle weakness (called cataplexy).

Symptoms may include:

Extreme daytime sleepiness.

The sleepiness happens often. It could be mild, like general drowsiness. Or it could be "attacks" of sleep that happen suddenly, without warning.

Sudden, brief muscle weakness while you're awake.

This is also called cataplexy. It often starts in the muscles of the face, but it can happen in other areas too. It usually happens after a strong emotion, like excitement.

Sleep paralysis.

This is a brief time of not being able to move. It happens just before falling asleep or just after waking up. Some people may also feel like it's hard to breathe during this period of time.

Sleep hallucinations.

This involves seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren't there. It can happen while falling asleep or waking up.

Vivid dreams or nightmares.

It's common for people with narcolepsy to have very clear and memorable dreams, or even nightmares, while sleeping.

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and past health. He or she will do a physical exam. You'll most likely have a sleep study.

Sleep studies for narcolepsy happen at a medical facility, like a hospital or clinic. A sleep technician monitors you for signs of narcolepsy while you sleep. There are two types of sleep studies that check for narcolepsy.

Polysomnography.

This test happens overnight. A technician keeps track of electrical activity in your body and watches your breathing while you sleep.

Multiple sleep latency test.

During this test the technician monitors you while you take a few naps. He or she will record how long it takes you to fall asleep and other information about your sleep patterns.

Your doctor may also ask you to keep a sleep journal at home to record your sleep patterns. And some people may need other tests to learn more about their sleep problems.

There's no cure for narcolepsy. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms. Medicines like modafinil, other stimulants, and certain antidepressants can help control sleepiness and muscle weakness. Medicine to improve nighttime sleep may also help. Your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes too, like a sleep schedule and planned naps.

• If you drive, talk with your doctor about steps you can take to make driving safer.
• Try to take 2 or 3 short naps at regular times during the day. After a nap, always give yourself time to become alert before you drive a car or do anything that might cause an accident.
• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You may need to try several medicines before you find the one that works best for you.
• Try to improve your nighttime sleep habits. Here are a few of the things you could do:
  • Go to bed only when you are sleepy, and get up at the same time every day, even if you do not feel rested. This might help you sleep well the next night and the night after that.
  • If you lie awake for longer than 15 minutes, get up, leave the bedroom, and do something quiet, such as read, until you feel sleepy again.
  • Avoid drinking or eating anything with caffeine after 3 p.m. This includes coffee, tea, cola drinks, and chocolate.
  • Make sure your bedroom is not too hot or too cold, and keep it quiet and dark.
  • Make sure your mattress provides good support.
• Be kind to your body:
  • Relieve tension with exercise or a massage.
  • Learn and do relaxation techniques.
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and illegal drugs. They can increase your anxiety level and cause sleep problems.
  • Eat a healthy diet.
• Get light exercise daily. Gentle stretching, light aerobics, swimming, walking, and riding a bicycle can help to keep you going during the day and to sleep well at night.
• Do not use over-the-counter sleeping pills. They can make your sleep restless.
• Ask your doctor if any medicines you take could cause sleepiness. For example, cold and allergy medicines can make you drowsy.
• Consider joining a support group with people who have narcolepsy or other sleep problems. These groups can be a good source of tips for what to do. Also, it can be comforting to talk to people who face similar challenges. Your doctor can tell you how to contact a support group.