Narcolepsy can affect the brain’s ability to properly regulate nighttime sleep and alertness during the day. While it typically causes excessive daytime drowsiness, the symptoms can vary from individual to individual and even worsen over time. It can affect performance at school or work, interfere with relationships, and influence the overall quality of your life if left untreated. The good news is that, like other chronic health conditions, it is possible to manage it. In this guide, you’ll learn the top simple tips that can help you manage the symptoms of the condition and improve your overall well-being.
What Is Narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by persistent excessive drowsiness during the day. It affects the brain’s ability to regulate the sleep-wake cycle, which often brings about fragmented nighttime sleep, hallucinations, and other symptoms associated with it.
There are 2 main types of narcolepsy :
- NT1 (narcolepsy type 1): This is the most common type of narcolepsy, often called narcolepsy with cataplexy. Individuals suffering from NT1 experience excessive daytime drowsiness alongside sudden muscle weakness that can cause them to fall. This form of the sleep disorder is known to be caused by a deficiency in hypocretin – a neurotransmitter that aids in the regulation of wakefulness.
- NT2 (narcolepsy type 2): This type is characterized by an overwhelming feeling of sleepiness during the day but without episodes of a sudden loss of muscle strength, hence the name narcolepsy without cataplexy. People suffering from this form of the disorder often experience symptoms such as sleep paralysis, hallucinations shortly before or right after waking up, and fragmented nighttime sleep. Scientists are yet to establish the exact cause of NT2.
While the severity of narcolepsy can vary from individual to individual, it can worsen over time if left untreated. Currently, there is no cure for this disorder, but certain lifestyle changes and treatment options can help manage the associated symptoms and improve well-being. If you suspect you or anyone you know may have narcolepsy, it is advisable to consult a somnologist (sleep specialist) for proper evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.
Symptoms of Narcolepsy
The symptoms of narcolepsy typically begin early in a person’s life, around their teens or early twenties, but on rare occasions, they may occur in late adulthood. The major symptoms of narcolepsy include :
- excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS): Individuals with narcolepsy find it extremely difficult to fight off sleep during the day, regardless of how much sleep they get at night. Sleepiness can kick in anywhere and anytime and may interfere with daily activity. This is usually the first symptom to appear, and it makes it difficult to stay alert or focus on tasks;
- cataplexy: This is a sudden loss of muscle strength or tone often caused by strong emotions such as anger, shock, or laughter. It can range anywhere from slight muscle weakness to a total collapse (almost like paralysis) and may last up to a few minutes. While some individuals suffering from narcolepsy may experience one or two episodes a year, others can experience it several times a day;
- sleep paralysis: This usually occurs while falling asleep or right after waking up. It is characterized by a temporary inability to speak or move. It can last anywhere from a few seconds to minutes and may be accompanied by a sense of pressure on the chest and vivid hallucinations;
- hallucinations: Individuals who have narcolepsy often see things that aren’t there. There are 2 types of hallucinations associated with the disorder: hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations. The first type happens while falling asleep, while the second type occurs while waking up. These hallucinations can be very frightening because they’re often visual, auditory, and sensory in nature, making them feel very real;
- fragmented nighttime sleep: Narcolepsy patients often find it difficult to sleep for long durations at a stretch. They usually wake up several times at night and have vivid dreams that can sometimes be troubling.
It is worth noting that not everyone with the disorder will experience all these symptoms. In most cases, only 1 in 3 people experience all 4 of them. What’s more, narcolepsy can have other symptoms such as obesity, depression, and/or anxiety . The severity of these symptoms may vary from person to person.
Impact of Narcolepsy on Quality of Life
Wondering how narcolepsy affects your life? Well, its effects go beyond physical symptoms and can have an impact on emotional well-being, relationships, daily living, and overall quality of life.
One of the major challenges people with the disorder often face is excessive sleepiness during the day. It can affect social interaction and even performance in school and at work. Simple tasks become overwhelming, causing people with the condition to constantly struggle.
The disrupted sleep patterns associated with the condition are another key challenge that can affect the quality of life. As a result of poor nighttime sleep, people with narcolepsy often wake up in the morning feeling exhausted. While fatigue can last anywhere from a few hours to the entire day, it can limit mental and physical stamina and overall productivity.
What’s more, because narcolepsy often affects sleep quality, it can take a toll on cognitive functioning. It can result in memory problems, difficulty concentrating and making decisions. Many people living with narcolepsy find it difficult to retain information or perform mentally-challenging tasks.
How to Improve the Quality of Life for People with Narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy has no cure, but with the right treatment, it’s possible to manage the symptoms associated with it and improve the quality of life. Here are the top simple tips that work.
Lifestyle Changes
Certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the effects or severity of some narcolepsy symptoms, such as hallucinations and EDS, and ultimately improve quality of life. Getting better sleep (setting up good sleep habits and routine), exercising regularly, eating healthily, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol close to bedtime can bring about remarkable changes.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that involves experts having a series of talk therapy with patients to identify and change negative thoughts and behavior that contribute to their poor sleep patterns. A 2021 review indicates that CBT is effective in the management of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions related to narcolepsy .
Acupuncture
Some people find that acupuncture manages their symptoms of the sleep disorder. If you’re yet to try it, you should put it into consideration. Acupuncture can help improve sleep quality, reduce daytime fatigue, and improve overall well-being. However, it is important to only work with a qualified practitioner to get the best results.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise can enhance sleep quality, increase energy levels, and improve overall health in people with narcolepsy. While engaging in light and well-structured exercises can be helpful, engaging in strenuous exercises close to bedtime can be counterproductive.
Oral Medications
Oral medications, such as stimulants and wakefulness-promoting medications like Modalert, are commonly prescribed to manage some of the symptoms of the condition. These drugs are effective in improving wakefulness, increasing alertness, and reducing excessive daytime drowsiness. Many people find that oral medications help them achieve fast improvements in their symptoms.
If you’re considering trying out medications too, you can buy Modalert 200 mg with fast delivery from a reputable online pharmacy and see if it works for you. Be sure to consult a doctor or healthcare professional to determine if Modalert or other modafinil-based drugs are suitable for your specific needs.
When Should You Seek Professional Medical Help?
It is important that you seek professional medical help as soon as you suspect that you may have narcolepsy or if it starts affecting your personal or professional life. This will ensure you will get a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Here are some signs and situations that are indicative of the need for medical intervention:
- cataplexy episodes;
- persistent excessive daytime drowsiness;
- disturbed nighttime sleep;
- negative impact on daily life.
If the symptoms of narcolepsy are affecting your work, academics, relationship with friends and family, and overall well-being, then it is more than important to consult a doctor. Narcolepsy is a chronic condition that can worsen over time if left untreated. Seeking medical help timely can prevent unnecessary complications and improve your overall quality of life.
Resume
It is possible to improve the quality of your life with narcolepsy through the strategies written in this guide. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, acupuncture, lifestyle changes, and regular exercise. Oral medications like Modalert also work wonderfully well, and many people with narcolepsy prefer them because of how fast they start working – within 30 to 60 minutes. However, it is important to understand when to seek professional medical help, as it ensures you get the right diagnosis and treatment to help manage the condition effectively.
References
- Narcolepsy: Symptoms, Treatment, and More. Written by Brandon Peters, MD. Medically reviewed by Daniel Combs, MD. Updated: June 3, 2023. Retrieved: June 16, 2023. Verywellhealth.com.
- Narcolepsy - Symptoms and Causes. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Retrieved: June 16, 2023. Mayoclinic.com.
- 9 Lifestyle Tips That Can Help You Manage Narcolepsy Symptoms. Written by Katherine Lee. Medically reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD. Retrieved: June 16, 2023. Everydayhealth.com.
- Self-Care and Natural Treatments for Narcolepsy. By Margaret H. Wright and Sandra Silva Casabianca. Medically reviewed by Alyssa Peckham, PharmD, BCPP. Retrieved: June 16, 2023. Psychcentral.com.
- A Review of Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I Apps): Are They Designed for Engagement? By Begum Erten Uyumaz, Loe Feijs, and Jun Hu. Retrieved: June 16, 2023. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.