BlogEvolve.com

Narcolepsy is the second leading cause of excessive daytime sleepiness. Obstructive sleep apnea is the first. Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that occurs in the area of the brain that regulates when to sleep and when to be awake. Narcolepsy is believed to be caused by a deficiency of the brain chemical orexin A and B. The symptoms usually appear between the ages of 10 and 25 years of age. However the disorder can start before the age of 10 or well into the 20’s and 30’s. It is rare for the disorder to begin after the age of 40.

The main symptoms are excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden episodes of falling asleep that can last anywhere from several seconds to more than 30 minutes. Sleep attacks can occur at anytime including while driving. Other symptoms include the sudden loss of voluntary muscle tone (cataplexy), vivid hallucinations during the onset of sleep or when waking up, brief episodes of total paralysis at the beginning or end of sleep, restless nighttime sleep and occasional automatic behavior. 40% of people with narcolepsy experience automatic behavior.

The effects of narcolepsy include accidents and injuries; problems at work or school; social problems; impaired memory, thinking or the ability to concentrate and depression. Narcolepsy can be disabling if it is left untreated. Medication and lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms. Currently there is no cure.

Narcolepsy affects males and females equally and it occurs in all racial and ethnic groups. The rates do vary by country. Only 2% of those with narcolepsy have a close relative with the disorder. 1 in 2,000 people are affected by narcolepsy in the United States.

Bookmark/Search this post with:
| | | | | | | | | | |