Although there are days when we all probably feel like we have narcolepsy, it is a real and frustrating disorder. In fact, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, “anywhere from 135,000 to 200,000 people in the United States have narcolepsy. However, since this condition often goes undiagnosed, the number may be higher.”
What is Narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder as it all happens in the brain. Basically, sleep-wake patterns are disrupted and result in sudden bouts of fatigue or, even worse, falling asleep in the middle of an activity. People with narcolepsy often begin to withdraw socially, and this chronic disorder can disrupt daily life, jobs, and tasks. Even worse, falling asleep while driving or other activity with risks can cause bodily harm both to the sufferer and possibly others.
Who can get narcolepsy?
Age and family history seem to be connected to more significant risk factors. For those with a family history of narcolepsy, the risk is 20 – 40 times higher. It is also believed that the disorder begins in those between the ages of 10 and 30.
What are the symptoms?
The Mayo Clinic explains:
“Excessive daytime sleepiness. People with narcolepsy fall asleep without warning, anywhere, anytime. For example, you may be working or talking with friends and suddenly you nod off, sleeping for a few minutes up to a half-hour. When you awaken, you feel refreshed, but eventually you get sleepy again.
You may also experience decreased alertness and focus throughout the day. Excessive daytime sleepiness usually is the first symptom to appear and is often the most troublesome, making it difficult for you to concentrate and fully function.
Sudden loss of muscle tone. This condition, called cataplexy (KAT-uh-plek-see), can cause a number of physical changes, from slurred speech to complete weakness of most muscles, and may last up to a few minutes.
Cataplexy is uncontrollable and is triggered by intense emotions, usually positive ones such as laughter or excitement, but sometimes fear, surprise or anger. For example, when you laugh, your head may droop uncontrollably or your knees may suddenly buckle.
Some people with narcolepsy experience only one or two episodes of cataplexy a year, while others have numerous episodes daily. Not everyone with narcolepsy experiences cataplexy.
Sleep paralysis. People with narcolepsy often experience a temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or upon waking. These episodes are usually brief — lasting a few seconds or minutes — but can be frightening. You may be aware of the condition and have no difficulty recalling it afterward, even if you had no control over what was happening to you.
This sleep paralysis mimics the type of temporary paralysis that normally occurs during a period of sleep called rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. This temporary immobility during REM sleep may prevent your body from acting out dream activity.
Not everyone with sleep paralysis has narcolepsy, however. Many people without narcolepsy experience some episodes of sleep paralysis.
Changes in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. REM sleep is typically when most dreaming happens. REM sleep can occur at any time of the day in people with narcolepsy. People with narcolepsy often transition quickly to REM sleep, usually within 15 minutes of falling asleep.
Hallucinations. These hallucinations are called hypnagogic hallucinations if they happen as you fall asleep and hypnopompic hallucinations if they occur upon waking. An example is feeling as if there is a stranger in your bedroom. These hallucinations may be particularly vivid and frightening because you may not be fully asleep when you begin dreaming and you experience your dreams as reality.”
Is there a cure?
Sadly, no. But there are medications that can help symptoms. Additionally, an occupational therapist who can suggest lifestyle changes and modifications to help live with the disorder and improve quality of life may be worth consulting. It is also important that friends and family understand the condition and offer support. Additionally, discussing the symptoms with one’s employer may help to avoid undue gossip and mistreatment and help create workarounds and support in the job environment.
If you or someone you know begins to exhibit symptoms that disturb or disrupt daily routines, consult your primary care provider.
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