Self-diagnosis of narcolepsy│Symptoms│Overview│Treatment│Medication│Lifestyle
What is Narcolepsy? We would like to learn about the overview, self-diagnosis, symptoms and treatment, etc.
Narcolepsy Overview
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by overwhelming daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks. People with narcolepsy often find it difficult to stay awake for long periods of time, regardless of the circumstances. Narcolepsy can seriously interfere with daily life.
Sometimes narcolepsy can be accompanied by a sudden loss of muscle tone (atonic seizures) that can be triggered by strong emotions. Narcolepsy that occurs with cataplexy is called narcolepsy type 1. Narcolepsy that occurs without atonic seizures is known as narcolepsy type 2.
Narcolepsy is a chronic disease for which there is no cure. However, medications and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms. Support from others, including family, friends, employers, and teachers, can help you cope with narcolepsy 기면증 자가진단
narcolepsy signs 좋은뉴스
Signs and symptoms of narcolepsy may worsen during the first few years and last a lifetime. These include:
Excessive daytime sleepiness. People with narcolepsy fall asleep anytime, anywhere, without warning. For example, while working or talking to friends, you may suddenly nod your head and fall asleep for a few minutes to 30 minutes. Waking up makes you feel refreshed, but eventually makes you sleepy again. Your attention and concentration may decrease throughout the day. Excessive daytime sleepiness is usually the first symptom and often the most problematic, making concentration and full functioning difficult.
Sudden loss of muscle tone. This condition, called cataplexy, can cause a variety of physical changes, from slurred speech to complete weakness of most muscles, and can last up to several minutes. Tension is uncontrollable and is triggered by intense emotions, usually positive emotions such as laughter or excitement, but sometimes fear, surprise, or anger. For example, when you laugh, your head may droop uncontrollably or your knees may suddenly bend. Some people with narcolepsy experience only one or two seizures per year, while others experience numerous episodes each day. Not everyone with narcolepsy experiences fatigue.
sleep paralysis. People with narcolepsy often experience a temporary inability to move or speak while asleep or awake. These episodes are usually short, lasting seconds or minutes, but can be frightening. Even if you can’t control what happens to you, you may be aware of the condition and have no trouble remembering it later.
Changes in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. REM sleep is usually when most dreams occur. REM sleep can occur at any time of the day in people with narcolepsy. People with narcolepsy quickly switch to REM sleep, usually within 15 minutes of falling asleep.
hallucination. For example, feeling like there are strangers in your bedroom. These hallucinations are especially vivid and frightening because when you start dreaming, you don’t fall asleep completely and experience the dream as reality.
Narcolepsy self-diagnosis
“Have you had a sudden urge to sleep during the day even though you are getting enough sleep at night?”
“Did you fall asleep while working, eating, or talking to other people?”
“Did you feel awake after a brief nap, then soon turned to drowsiness?”
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you should discuss your drowsiness with your doctor or sleep specialist.
narcolepsy treatment
There is no cure for narcolepsy, but medications and lifestyle modifications can help manage symptoms.
narcolepsy drugs
Treatments for narcolepsy include:
irritant. Drugs that stimulate the central nervous system are the primary treatment to help narcolepsy patients stay awake during the day. I am living by correcting my habits.)
antidepressants. Antidepressants are effective for fatigue, but many people complain of side effects such as dry mouth and dizziness.
Sodium oxybate. This drug is very effective for fatigue. Sodium oxybate helps improve nighttime sleep, which is often bad for narcolepsy.
lifestyle and home remedies
Lifestyle modifications are important in managing the symptoms of narcolepsy.
Stick to your schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends.
Take a nap. Schedule short naps at regular intervals throughout the day. A 20-minute nap at strategic times during the day can be refreshing and reduce sleepiness for 1 to 3 hours. Some people may need a longer nap.
Avoid nicotine and alcohol. Signs and symptoms can be made worse by using these substances, especially at night.
Get regular exercise. Getting moderate and regular exercise at least four to five hours before bed can help you stay awake during the day and sleep better at night.