Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by the instability of sleep/wake transition patterns. Symptoms commonly seen in people suffering from narcolepsy are daytime sleepiness, muscle fatigue, even paralysis while sleeping and hallucinations. People with this condition typically struggle with the inability to sleep for long periods of time. As well as weight gain and obstructive sleep apnea. Narcolepsy can lead to negative psychological consequences such as safety driving issues, including high risk of being in a motor vehicle accident while driving. Narcolepsy can also effect schooling performance if you are a student.
Your doctor will suspect the diagnosis of narcolepsy based on symptoms and sleep studies done in a sleep lab.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for treatment that can cure narcolepsy. However, your symptoms can improve significantly by scheduling naps daily and by using caffeine that will help you keep your body and mind awake during the day. Your doctors may also want to consider medications that can help reduce the day time sleepiness (such as Modafinil) and anxiety.
