The term “narcolepsy” comes from the Greek words Narco, signifying numbness or stiffening, and Lipsy, meaning fit or seizure. Lifelong narcolepsy is characterized by the standard tetrad of symptoms including:
- Having trouble staying awake at work or school because of extreme daytime drowsiness.
- Cataplexy (sudden bilateral decrease of muscular tone)
- Hallucinations that occur during sleep.
- The paralysis of sleep.
Causes
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Primary Form
There is no one known cause of narcolepsy. Hypocretin, a naturally occurring hormone that encourages alertness and controls rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, is absent or present in very low amounts in almost all patients suffering from narcolepsy who have cataplexy.
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Narcoleptics who do not experience cataplexy often have normal hypocretin levels. Current research reveals that a lack of neurotransmitters in the brain may be the consequence of a mix of circumstances, although the exact origin of narcolepsy remains unknown.
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Diseases triggered by the body’s immunological system
The loss of hypocretin-producing brain cells is the most common underlying cause of cataplexy. Uncertain causes for this cell death have been connected to immunological dysfunction. When the innate immune system starts attacking its own cells or tissue inadvertently, it is said to be experiencing an autoimmune illness.
Many variables, including genetics and the environment, are thought to contribute to the immune system’s selective assault on hypocretin-containing brain cells in narcoleptics.
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Family
The vast majority of people who develop narcolepsy do not have a family history of the illness. But occasionally there are clusters in families; up to 10% of those with insomnia with cataplexy report a close family with the disorder.
Narcolepsy as a complication
On rare occasions, narcolepsy may be cause by tumors or other disorders affecting the areas of the brain responsible for regulating alertness and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Narcolepsy-like symptoms may be cause by damage to the hypothalamus or other surrounding brain areas. Cataplexy is a symptom of primary narcolepsy, however it is not always present in these other conditions. Narcolepsy has also been link to multiple sclerosis, malignancies, and strokes.
How Can I Get Help for Daytime Sleepiness
The effectiveness of other therapies for (Excessive day time sleepiness) EDS is condition specific. Instead of making wild guesses, you should work with your doctor to pinpoint the root of your EDS. Improvements in daytime drowsiness have been seen with the successful treatment of underlying diseases or causes.
The following conditions are widely identified by doctors as contributing to EDS, and therapies for them are often recommended:
- Behavioral therapy, brief, strategically-scheduled naps, and good sleep hygiene are all effective ways to deal with narcolepsy and increase Brain’s focus. Medications that help you remain awake throughout the day include modafinil and sodium oxybate.
- There is no one “magic bullet” for treating insomnia other than Modalert 200: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often the first line of treatment for both adults and adolescents. Along with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), pharmacological treatment is an alternative, short-term option. Medications including melatonin, antihistamines, benzodiazepines, and atypical antidepressants are often use for insomnia.
- Combining morning light therapy with nighttime melatonin is an effective treatment for circadian rhythm abnormalities including normal sleep delay in teenagers. It is important to keep in mind that a melatonin prescription for a teen may need off-label use. To counteract the effects of jet lag and night shifts on circadian rhythm, it is recommend to adjust one’s sleep pattern in advance of travel and to arrange naps.
- In addition to improving sleep hygiene, treating restless leg syndrome often entails the use of various drugs, pneumatic pressure therapy, and physical activity.
However, there are different types of drugs. which can help people suffering from excessive drowsiness. These medications are often used in conjunction with other treatments, therapies, and behavioral adjustments. Medications for EDS include the following types:
MoD vigil 200
- Modvigil 200 has been used to treat narcolepsy-related hypersomnia and sleep apnea-related daytime drowsiness. Researchers have hypothesized that the medication modifies the brain’s wake-sleep cycles. Among the list of negative effects, headaches rank highest in frequency. Insomnia and anxiousness are more significant side effects that may occur, although they are infrequent.
- Armodafinil (Nuvigil) is a wake-promoting agent used to treat drowsiness in people with narcolepsy or sleep apnea, just as modafinil is. Headache and dizziness are the only mild negative effects. Breathing and swallowing problems, despair, and suicidal thoughts are among the most severe adverse effects.
- Treatment for narcolepsy often includes sodium oxybate (Xyrem). Increases daily alertness through such processes. The medication reduces overnight disruptions to sleep. Sadness and haziness are two possible negative effects.
- Methylphenidate is an amphetamine use to heal narcolepsy and boost alertness. Brand names include Dextran, Quillivant XR, and Ritalin From pillspalace. People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) also benefit from taking it. When used improperly, it may cause users to become agitated, anxious, or even prevent them from sleeping at night.
- The human body naturally produces melatonin, a sleep hormone, in the hours leading up to bedtime. In America, you may get melatonin without a prescription at any drugstore.
- Before altering your current pharmaceutical regimen or beginning a new one, talk to your doctor. Make sure they are aware of all your medical conditions, including allergies and any physical or mental illnesses you have been diagnose with. If you are taking any other pharmaceuticals, including herbal supplements or OTC drugs, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Follow your doctor’s and pharmacist’s instructions very closely if they prescribe medication for treating excessive daytime drowsiness. Until you know how the drug affects you, don’t do anything risky like driving.
To What Extent Do “Wake Up Pills” and Other Supplements Work?
Caffeine tablets sold over the counter to “wake you up” often comprise a comparable amount of caffeine (200 mg) as a cup of coffee. These drugs may help you feel more energized, but they often come with unwanted side effects including jitteriness, headaches, and a faster heart rate.
Caffeine disrupts your circadian cycle, which may make it harder to fall asleep at night. It’s worth noting that caffeine’s ability to stimulate might decrease as tolerance develops.
Herbal supplements are often use by persons in search of better sleep. The most popular ones include chrysanthemum, lavender, and kava. However, these supplements improve sleep quality. There is a lack of data to support such a claim.
The sleep pattern for those who don’t suffer from insomnia may be improve by using chamomile, but it doesn’t seem to aid those who do. However, the effects on sleep have not been well studied. Use of kava may increase the danger of liver damage.
In most cases, it is preferable to improve one’s sleep hygiene than than depend on artificial means like pills or supplements. The most beneficial and least prepared to have negative consequences over time are regular habits like proper sleep hygiene and sticking to a regular sleep schedule.