Narcolepsy
…the
sleeping disease
It has been estimated that there are, throughout the world, about three million cases of
narcolepsy and that, of these, about 200 000 are from the U.S. but only 50 000 have been officially
diagnosed by a doctor.
Narcolepsy, or the “Sleeping Disease,” is widespread. It has been recognized in both males and females, and at a
variety of ages. It is first noted in teenagers and young adults in their early twenties.
There is usually a fifteen year span between the onset and the diagnosis of Narcolepsy. This contributes to the
difficulties that this disorder promotes.
Studies in this area show that Narcolepsy is constantly under-diagnosed in society generally and this is due, in
part, to the fact that many who have the disorder don’t necessarily show any visible signs and the severity varies
from individual to individual. It’s basically not easy to diagnose!
Because this disorder is so under diagnosed it is hard to get a firm grasp of the actual severity of the problem
especially as it varies between individuals and is noticeable in some and barely obvious in others.
It is known that those dealing with Narcolepsy usually have a mixture of cognitive, educational, occupational
and psychological issues to deal with, mostly arising from the specific disorder. It’s present in 1 in about 2000
people and it is found in those with learning disabilities: although the learning disabilities may be a by-product
of the sleep disorder!
Take a look at this excellant video report from CNN with Paula Zahn, showing several cases and how one teenager
copes with both Narcolepsy and the more severe Catoplexy (7 1/2 minutes)--->just click the centre...
Generally, treatment options are a little limited but diagnosis approaches are fairly standard. The two tests that
are done are the Polysonogram and the Multiple Sleep Latency exams and these present a formal and correct
diagnostic approach to the condition. Tests take place in two hour increments which allows the patient to sleep.
The Polysonogram test is a continuous brain activity test, taken when it’s in REM sleep mode during the night.
Narcoleptics tend to fall asleep into night-time sleep mode fairly quickly.
Treatment for people with narcolepsy usually consists of anti-depressants and planned short-term naps with the
idea of gradually lowering the dependency on medicinal treatment and prompting the body to do what it is supposed
to be doing, naturally.
Retraining the body to sleep and taking short naps during the day is a major treatment objective so that the
body stays alert at important times, because a lot of narcoleptics, with the more severe catoplexy, could be
putting others at risk, falling asleep at inappropriate times during the day. This, of course, is a major problem
for those who drive or operate machinery.
More recently the holistic approach has helped. Change of diet, exercises, nutritional supplements, controlled
napping and relaxation, through such things as Yoga, have all been incorporated successfully.
Narcolepsy can be managed by following a prescribed plan and doctor’s instructions.
Uncontrolled “falling asleep” can be a very dangerous event if it happens under certain work place conditions: if
you suspect you have the symptoms, get to a doctor right away and discuss your options.
Go here for
Narcolepsy symptoms page
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