Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a rare, long term, neurological condition that causes a person to suddenly fall asleep at inappropriate times as the brain is unable to regulate the normal sleep-wake cycle.
According to Narcolepsy UK there are around 30,000 sufferers in the UK.
Symptoms of narcolepsy
Excessive daytime sleepiness – feeling very drowsy and tired throughout the day, having difficulty concentrating and being unable to stay awake.
Cataplexy – more than a third of those affected with narcolepsy experience temporary loss of muscle control resulting in weakness and possible collapse, often in response to strong emotions.
Sleep attacks – falling asleep suddenly and without warning.
Sleep paralysis – this is a temporary inability to move or speak and occurs when falling asleep or awakening.
Excessive dreaming and waking in the night – dreams often come as you fall asleep (hypnogogic hallucinations) or just before or during waking (hypnopompic hallucinations).
Not everyone has all of these symptoms.
What causes narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is caused by a problem in the brain.
The brain struggles to control sleep properly. In some people, there is a lack of a brain chemical that helps keep us awake.
Narcolepsy often starts in teenage years or early adulthood but it can begin at any age.
The effects of narcolepsy
While narcolepsy doesn’t cause serious or long-term physical health problems, it can have a significant impact on daily life (work, relationships etc) and be difficult to cope with emotionally.
Treatment of narcolepsy
There is no cure yet but medication and behavioural treatments are available to help improve symptoms. Lifestyle changes including taking regular naps and improving sleep hygiene may help.