Sleep paralysis is very troubling as this is an episode of temporary inability to move or speak that occurs directly after falling asleep or waking up. Hallucinations at the beginning of the night or upon awakening Cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle tone) Ĥ. Notable symptoms of Narcolepsy that doctors look for are:ģ. This condition appears in individuals from ages 7 to 25 and it continues throughout their life. You may need to go through several sleep tests before you are diagnosed with Narcolepsy. A neurologist can aid your family doctor in diagnosing you properly. Narcolepsy is diagnosed by doctors who study sleep cycles, sleep disorders, and hormones. These individuals tend to have less severe symptoms and have normal levels of the brain hormone hypocretin. Individuals with Type 2 Narcolepsy experience excessive daytime sleepiness but usually do not have muscle weakness triggered by emotions. Type 2 - previously known as narcolepsy without cataplexy. The hypocretin hormone has a major role in helping your brain keep your body awake. The individuals either have low levels of a hormone called hypocretin or they report cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness. There are two major types of narcolepsy as defined by the (NINDS) : Type 1 - previously known as narcolepsy with cataplexy. Narcolepsy can significantly impact your academics, work, social life, and daily activities. Persons who are not diagnosed properly may suffer severe psychological, social, and cognitive problems. Narcolepsy is a lifelong health condition and its symptoms may vary in intensity across the years. Many individuals with narcolepsy also experience uneven and interrupted sleep that can involve waking up frequently during the night. People with narcolepsy may feel rested after waking, but then feel very sleepy throughout much of the day. The definition of Narcolepsy provided by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) describes it as a chronic neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to control sleep-wake cycles. Did you know that historically important figures like Winston Churchill (UK prime minister during WWII) and Harriet Tubman (anti-slavery advocate) lived with Narcolepsy? What Is Narcolepsy? The World Narcolepsy Awareness Day is September 22nd and it is estimated that about three million people worldwide suffer from Narcolepsy but only 25% of them are diagnosed and provided with treatment.
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