Narcolepsy is a rare sleep disorder, usually misunderstood by people. It is mainly characterized by persistent and severe daytime sleepiness that impairs your social life, school, and work routine. Narcolepsy also puts you at the risk of severe injuries and road accidents. Several hundred thousand American adults and kids have this disorder. Below, we will discuss the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of narcolepsy to help you cope with it effectively.

Symptoms of narcolepsy
A few common signs and symptoms of narcolepsy are:

Excessive sleepiness during the day
Often people with narcolepsy tend to fall asleep anytime, anywhere, sans any warning. For instance, you may be working or speaking in one moment and doze off in the next. Further, even though you may feel refreshed after waking up, you may feel sleepy again. Also, narcolepsy can reduce your focus and alertness throughout the day.

Cataplexy
Also known as a sudden loss of muscle tone, cataplexy can result in several physical changes, such as weakness of almost all the muscles and slurred speech. Usually, these changes might last for a few minutes. Unfortunately, it is uncontrollable and is triggered by intense emotions, such as excitement, anger, fear, laughter, or surprise.

Hallucinations
When hallucinations occur while you are asleep, they are referred to as hypnagogic hallucinations. On the contrary, if they happen after you wake up, they are known as hypnopompic hallucinations. Typically, the hallucinations are frightening and vivid as you are not fully asleep when you experience them.

Sleep paralysis
Usually, people with narcolepsy might also lose their ability to speak or move while asleep or after waking up. It is temporary, and the episodes of sleep paralysis are usually minor but can feel scary.

Changes in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep
REM sleep is wherein maximum dreaming takes place. In people with narcolepsy, it can happen anytime, and people usually transition to REM sleep in just 15 minutes of falling asleep.

Causes of narcolepsy
Scientists believe that narcolepsy is usually an outcome of the loss of hypocretin, a neurotransmitter in the brain. It is a vital neurotransmitter to regulate your wake up and sleep cycle, including the REM sleep state. A shortage of hypocretin in the brain can cause narcolepsy.

Beyond this, there are also a few other causes of narcolepsy. These include:

Familial link
Often people with narcolepsy have a close family member with similar symptoms.

Autoimmune disorder
At times, the body’s immune system attacks the brain cells, which produce the essential neurotransmitter hypocretin. Consequently, there is a shortage of the same in the body, which results in narcolepsy.

Tumor or brain injury
In some people, narcolepsy may result from a brain injury following a disease, trauma, or tumor.

Environmental toxins
Second-hand smoke, heavy metals, and pesticides can also put you at risk of narcolepsy.

Infections
Some infections, too, can make you vulnerable to developing narcolepsy.

Diagnosis of narcolepsy
Often the narcolepsy symptoms may be confused with symptoms of other health issues. Hence, for diagnosis, the below-listed methods may be used:

Physical examination
The first step is usually a physical examination, wherein the doctor will ask you questions and study your medical history to diagnose narcolepsy.

Sleep records
For diagnosis, the doctor may suggest maintaining a schedule of your sleep history for a couple of weeks.

Multiple sleep latency test
It is a specialist test conducted during the day, always at a lab or a clinic. The test helps assess your tendency to fall asleep and see if some REM sleep elements occur during unusual times in the day.

Polysomnogram
It is also conducted at a sleep lab or a clinic, but this one is an overnight test, wherein constant measurements are taken during your sleep to determine issues with your sleep cycle. It can help rule out other plausible problems which might be causing similar symptoms.

Treatment of narcolepsy
As of today, there is no actual cure for narcolepsy. However, a few lifestyle changes can help. Some treatments are listed below:

Behavior modification
Behavior modification can help with narcolepsy. For this, the doctor will suggest a stimulant to avoid sleepiness.

Lifestyle changes
In addition, there are a few lifestyle changes that can help better your quality of life.

These include:

• Getting health assistance
• Seeking support from loved ones
• Educating self about the impact of alcohol and narcotics on narcolepsy

In addition, to cope well with narcolepsy, one must:

• Take regular naps around the day
• Follow a fixed sleep schedule
• Stick to a treatment plan recommended by a doctor
• Exercise regularly
• Be extra careful while driving
• Not eat heavy meals before bed