In general, Narcolepsy presents itself as a condition called EDS - Sleep Disorders. This is a persistent feeling of tiredness, lack of real energy and want to sleep. The patient has to make concerted efforts to stay awake, but even if he is able to do so, it is usually simply to achieve a state of alertness which viewers often describe as a ‘bad dream’ or as if the person is ‘awake. in auto pilot '. In sad times, the feeling can be so intense that it seems to anyone watching that the patient may be intoxicated. Often, people suffering from Narcolepsy and Sleep Disorders need to take a nap before trying out a task. Failure to prepare in this way may result in a sudden onset of sleepiness while performing a specific task. EDS is regularly treated with stimulants, such as Ritalin, in the United States. This drug helps to regenerate the central nervous system to keep a person alert and alert. Some new drugs are being developed that act as similar ‘wake-up stimulants’. The second major cause of narcolepsy is cataplexy, a sudden loss of control of the muscles in your body. This can vary in severity from person to person, and many good doctors suggest that if the symptoms are not severe enough, treatment should be avoided. The most commonly used drugs for this condition are those in the antidepressant category. Cataplexy is not directly linked to depression, but the side effects of these drugs affect the emotional mechanisms that cause cataplexy. These drugs are usually tricyclic agents, or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, SSRIs. Disability during sleep and hallucinations can be left out of drug treatment unless it is severe or severe. Since they usually occur only at night, they create a small problem for the patient. However, treatment for cataplexy will usually reduce the severity of these two symptoms. Powerful advice from some who suffer from narcolepsy - take a nap! There is good clinical evidence that taking a daily nap will help alleviate the symptoms of EDS and cataplexy. Many say that just a few minutes of sleep before performing a task can prevent sleep attacks during that time.
Diagnosis
Your doctor may make an initial diagnosis of narcolepsy based on your daytime sleepiness and sudden loss of muscle tone (cataplexy). After the initial diagnosis, your doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist for re-examination.
A formal diagnosis requires a good night's sleep in order to analyze the deep sleep of sleep specialists. Methods of diagnosing narcolepsy and determining its severity include:
Sleep history. Your doctor will ask you for a detailed sleep history. Part of the history includes completing the Epworth Sleep Scale, which uses a series of short questions to measure your sleep quality. For example, it shows with a numerical measure how likely it is to fall asleep in certain situations, such as sitting down after lunch.
Sleep records. You may be asked to keep a detailed diary of your sleep pattern for a week or two, so that your doctor can compare how your sleep pattern and awareness are related.
Usually, in addition to this sleeping log, your doctor will ask you to wear an actigraph. This device has the appearance and feel of a wristwatch. It measures work and rest periods and provides an indirect measure of how often and when you sleep.
Polysomnography. This test measures various signals during sleep using electrodes placed on your head. To do this test, you must spend the night at the medical center. Tests measure the electrical activity of your brain (electroencephalogram) and heart (electrocardiogram) and the movement of your muscles (electromyogram) and eyes (electro-oculogram). It also monitors your breathing.
Test for multiple sleep delays. This test measures how long it takes you to fall asleep during the day. You will be asked to take four or five breaks, each of which is two hours apart. Experts will look at your sleep patterns. People with narcolepsy fall asleep easily and get into rapid eye movement (REM) sleep faster.
This test can also help doctors diagnose other causes of your symptoms and signs. Other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, overdose, and shortness of breath, can cause excessive daytime sleepiness.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Lifestyle changes are important in controlling the symptoms of narcolepsy. You may benefit from these steps:
Stick to the plan. Sleep and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends.
Take a nap. Schedule short sleep periods during the day. 20 minutes of sleep during strategic times during the day can be refreshing and reduce sleep for one to three hours. Some people may need more sleep.
Avoid nicotine and alcohol. Using these substances, especially at night, can make your symptoms worse.
Moderate exercise, which usually lasts at least four to five hours before bedtime, can help you feel more alert during the day and sleep better at night.
You must be logged in to post a comment.