If you’re experiencing symptoms of narcolepsy, you’re not alone. In the United States, between 135,000 to 200,000 people have been diagnosed with this condition. Because this condition can cause drowsiness throughout the day, it’s understandable to feel like you’re being kept from the activities that are important to you.
Though there is no cure for narcolepsy, our specialists at Glacier ENT & Hearing Services will partner with you to make sure your symptoms don’t take over your life.
Do I Have Narcolepsy?
Symptoms of this condition include:
- Frequent daytime sleepiness
- Involuntary episodes of falling asleep during normal daytime activities
- Sleep paralysis
- Changes in REM sleep
- Vivid dreams
- Sudden loss of muscle tone, known as cataplexy
How Does Narcolepsy Affect Sleep?
The stages of falling asleep include:
- Non-rapid eye movement (NREM) stage, during which brain waves slow down
- REM stage, which is when most dreaming occurs
People with narcolepsy enter REM sleep without experiencing NREM sleep, meaning that they fall into deep sleep almost immediately.
What Causes This Condition?
Though the exact cause of narcolepsy is unknown, potential factors include autoimmune disorders, traumatic brain injuries and low levels of the neurochemical hypocretin, which helps regulate sleep.
How Is Narcolepsy Diagnosed?
Our otolaryngologist will ask you about the severity and duration of your symptoms, if any family members experience similar symptoms, if anything improves or worsens your symptoms and how often you fall asleep during the day.
Additional diagnostic procedures may include:
- Keeping a diary of sleep patterns
- Sleep tests
- Filling out the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, which asks about how tired you are in specific situations
What Should I Do If I’m Concerned About Narcolepsy?
There is no cure for narcolepsy, but our specialists will work with you to determine medication and lifestyle changes to help you reduce your symptoms.
Potential lifestyle changes include keeping a regular schedule, taking short naps during the day, avoiding substances like alcohol and nicotine and exercising on a regular basis.
Potential medications include stimulants, SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants and sodium oxybate.
Narcolepsy can feel overwhelming and isolating, but our team at Glacier ENT & Hearing Services can help you navigate living with this condition. You don’t have to manage this without any support.
Call Glacier ENT & Hearing Services for more information or to schedule an appointment.