Narcolepsy is a long-term neurological condition that impairs the brain’s ability to control sleep-wake patterns. It is a lifelong condition that typically begins during adolescence or early adulthood and affects both men and women equally. Narcolepsy can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, leading to work, school, and social difficulties.
The symptoms of narcolepsy can get worse during the first few years of the disorder and continue for life.
Excessive daytime sleepiness: This is the most prevalent sign of narcolepsy. Medical professionals define this as extreme tiredness and an insatiable desire to sleep during the day, even after enough sleep at night.
Cataplexy: Cataplexy is a sudden lack of muscular tone caused by intense emotions like laughter or astonishment. For example, when laughing, people with cataplexy may suddenly lose strength in their knees and fall to the ground.
Sleep paralysis: During sleep paralysis, a person cannot move or talk when waking up or falling asleep.
Sudden sleep attacks: Individuals with narcolepsy may experience “sleep attacks,” sudden bouts of falling unconscious.
Fragmented sleep: People with narcolepsy may experience fragmented sleep, with numerous awakenings throughout the night. According to one research study, 13.6% of South Africans struggled with sleep maintenance.
Hallucinations: People with narcolepsy may also experience vivid, dream-like hallucinations when falling asleep or waking up.
People with narcolepsy may suffer from other sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnoea, REM sleep behaviour disorder, or insomnia.
Autoimmune disorders: According to some research, narcolepsy is an autoimmune issue in which the immune system attacks and kills brain cells that produce a chemical called hypocretin. The lack of hypocretin, a hormone that controls alertness, has been related to narcolepsy.
Genetics: Doctors relate narcolepsy to particular genetic markers in sleep-wake cycle control. People who have specific variants of these genes may be predisposed to narcolepsy.
Infections: Some illnesses, such as strep throat or the flu, can set off an autoimmune reaction, leading to diabetes. In some cases, doctors relate narcolepsy to swine flu (H1N1 flu) viral exposure, according to research.
Brain injuries or tumours: A head injury or tumour that affects the areas of the brain that regulate sleep can sometimes cause narcolepsy.
Hormonal changes: Changes in hormones, such as those experienced during adolescence or menopause, can cause narcolepsy in some individuals.
Some risk factors associated with narcolepsy include genetic factors, autoimmune disorders, and brain injuries or trauma. Furthermore, the risk of narcolepsy is 20 to 40 times higher if you have a close family member who has it.
Viral infections, hormonal shifts, and environmental toxins exposure are additional possible risk factors. Age is another risk factor for narcolepsy, usually ages 10 to 30. While the exact cause of narcolepsy is not fully understood, a combination of these risk factors may contribute to developing the condition.
Narcolepsy is typically diagnosed through psychological assessment, sleep studies, and other tests to rule out other sleep disorders. The primary diagnostic factors are excessive daily lethargy, cataplexy (sudden lack of muscular control), and abnormal REM sleep patterns.
Narcolepsy complications can include social and work impairment due to extreme sleepiness and an increased risk of mishaps or injuries. Furthermore, people suffering from narcolepsy may experience psychological and emotional impacts such as depression, anxiety, and poor self-esteem.
Other potential complications include obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes, which can happen due to the disorder’s disturbed sleep habits and metabolic changes.
Narcolepsy is a chronic disease that can be controlled with medication. The most frequently used therapies for narcolepsy are stimulant medications that increase alertness and antidepressant medications that prevent cataplexy.
Aside from medication, lifestyle adjustments such as regular sleep routines, brief naps, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol can also help control symptoms. Behavioural treatment and therapy may also be beneficial in controlling the disorder’s psychological and emotional impacts.
There is no known method to prevent narcolepsy because the disorder’s cause is unknown. Early diagnosis and therapy, on the other hand, can help people with narcolepsy control their symptoms and enhance their quality of life.