Michigan Sleep Specialists: Sleep Disordes

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a neurological sleep disorder that can begin at any time from early age to midlife and continues throughout life. Predisposition to it seems to be hereditary. It is believed to affect approximately 1:1000 people of both sexes and all races. It is not degenerative; people with narcolepsy can expect to live a normal life span. Symptoms vary from mild to totally disabling for different people, and sometimes, even at different periods in the life of one person.

Symptoms of Narcolepsy:

Narcolepsy is characterized by daytime sleep attacks, persistent and uncontrollable sleepiness, and lack of energy. Another definitive symptom is cataplexy, a sudden loss of voluntary muscle control, ranging from brief and partial to a complete collapse for a protracted period. This can be triggered by strong emotion or intense fatigue. People with narcolepsy often perform routine activities without remembering them (known as automatic behavior) and while falling asleep or upon awakening, they sometimes have vivid hallucinations and sleep paralysis (inability to move while partially awake).

Less specific symptoms often seem to occur, some related to low energy and others to disorders in general. They include depression diminished attention span, confusion, memory loss, disrupted night-time sleep, binge eating, headaches, weak limbs, cold extremities, backache, difficulty in handling alcohol, etc.

If people with Narcolepsy tried just a little harder, could they stay awake?

Absolutely Not! The most difficult fact for the person with narcolepsy and those around him/her to accept is that sleep attacks and sleepiness are uncontrollable. Unless and until this is accepted by all concerned, any personal relationships are in great jeopardy and great feelings of guilt will develop.

Is Narcolepsy a psychological disorder?

NO! Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder. Such incorrect diagnoses should be a thing of the past. However, psychological problems can develop from misunderstanding and the inability to cope with the symptoms. Counseling for the person with narcolepsy and his/her family and better understanding by the whole community can help control these secondary problems.

When do Sleep Attacks Occur?

Sleep attacks can occur at any time of the day and during any activity - in class, while eating, or even while physically active. For some people, they occur at approximately the same time every day and a schedule can be planned around them.

How is Narcolepsy Diagnosed?

Daytime sleepiness has many causes which may occur separately or together. Correct diagnosis is essential to appropriate treatment. To this end, Michigan Sleep Specialists can help. Generally, one or both of two tests are performed. A polysomnogram measures the brain's electrical patterns, heart and breathing rates, and eye and muscle movements during sleep and can pinpoint any or all sleep disorders. The multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) can differentiate between narcolepsy and other sleep disorders by measuring a person's amount and type of sleepiness every two hours for a day as compared to a norm.

Who do I contact if I believe I have Narcolepsy?

First Talk to your doctor. Your doctor will give you more information and refer you to the agency that specialize in this disorder.
If you have more questions please call Michigan Sleep Specialists.