Catching Zs is essential for a happy, healthy lifestyle, but many of us have experienced sleep...
Read MoreLiving with narcolepsy can make it hard to participate in daily activities. Inspira is here to help.
What is Narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is defined by sudden attacks of sleeping that can occur without warning, causing serious disruptions to your daily routine. This chronic sleep disorder results in overwhelming fatigue and an inability to complete tasks or participate in activities.
In some cases, narcolepsy is accompanied by another condition called cataplexy, which results in a sudden loss of muscle tone. This is known as type 1 narcolepsy. Narcolepsy that occurs without cataplexy is called type 2 narcolepsy.
What are Narcolepsy’s Symptoms?
While narcolepsy is characterized by sudden attacks of sleep, it can result in secondary symptoms as well. These symptoms tend to worsen with age, and include:
- Excessive drowsiness and fatigue
- Sleep paralysis
- Disrupted sleep hallucinations
- Muscle tone loss (if cataplexy is present)
How is Narcolepsy Diagnosed?
To determine whether you have narcolepsy, your doctor will try to better understand your sleep patterns. They will conduct a physical examination and gather your medical history. They may also ask you to keep a journal or sleep diary to record your symptoms over a period of a few weeks.
Your doctor may also refer you to a sleep specialist for a sleep study. A polysomnogram, or sleep study, is a comprehensive test that transmits and records specific physical activities while you sleep, such as your heart rate, brain activity, eye movement and oxygen levels, through a series of electronic sensors placed on your legs, head and chest. In order to diagnose narcolepsy, a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) will need to be conducted the following morning.
Narcolepsy Treatment Options
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for narcolepsy; however, medications and lifestyle changes can ease symptoms. Treatment options include:
two
Lifestyle Adjustments
Avoiding caffeine and alcohol can help to regulate your circadian rhythm and ease your symptoms.
Medications
Medications to combat fatigue or treat problems with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep can be effective in treating narcolepsy.
What Sets Inspira’s Narcolepsy Treatments Apart
Inspira’s team of experienced, licensed sleep specialists can help you face narcolepsy head-on. At our sleep centers, we use state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat your sleep disorder. Our providers practice holistic care, focusing on the patient instead of the disorder, and can guide you in the right direction for your narcolepsy treatment, whether it involves medication, lifestyle changes or both.
At Inspira, care is always close to home with five sleep centers across South Jersey and access to services from specialists across the region.
