Narcolepsy and hypersomnia are both conditions that cause people to feel sleepy during the day. However, what distinguishes one from the other depends on a number of factors.

In narcolepsy, changes occur in the brain that disrupts typical sleep cycles. These changes are responsible for daytime sleepiness and other symptoms.

Causes

Narcolepsy is caused by a deficiency of a brain chemical called hypocretin (also called orexin). Many people with narcolepsy have less of this protein in their brains than normal.

In some cases, this is a result of the body’s immune system attacking parts of the brain that produce hypocretin. This is called an autoimmune reaction.

Another cause is a disorder called the sleep-wake cycle that affects how the brain works. During normal sleep, you go through stages of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.

You cycle between these two stages during the night, and most dreaming occurs in REM sleep. In narcolepsy, these cycles are more fragmented than usual.

Other symptoms of narcolepsy include cataplexy, which is a sudden loss of muscle control, and hallucinations. These can occur during drowsiness or while awake and can be confused with other disorders. They can be triggered by strong emotions, such as anger or joy.

Symptoms

Narcolepsy is a disorder that causes a person to feel an irresistible urge to sleep during the day. This urge often comes on suddenly and lasts for a short period of time.

The condition can be dangerous if a person falls asleep while driving or eating. It can also interfere with the ability to work and socialize.

Individuals may also have hallucinations while falling or waking up and have trouble sleeping for long periods of time at night. They may also experience cataplexy (KAT-uh-PLEK-see), a sudden loss of muscle tone that can be triggered by strong emotions like laughing or surprise.

Symptoms can usually improve as people age, but they will never disappear completely. There are medicines and lifestyle changes that can help people with narcolepsy manage their symptoms. These include avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime and keeping a consistent sleep schedule.

Diagnosis

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes people to have unpreventable, sudden, uncontrollable sleep attacks during the day. These episodes may occur while eating, talking, working, or driving.

Healthcare providers diagnose narcolepsy using a variety of tests. This includes a nocturnal polysomnogram, which continuously records brain activity during nighttime sleep, as well as the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT).

The doctor will take a careful medical history and review your symptoms. They will then refer you to a sleep specialist for further testing.

Depending on your specific diagnosis, you and the doctor will develop a treatment plan to help keep you as alert as possible during the day. This will often involve behavioral therapy and medications.

While there is no cure for narcolepsy, it is treatable with medication and lifestyle changes. Getting diagnosed and managing your condition can be an important step in living life to the fullest. It’s also helpful to know that there are many resources available for people with narcolepsy, including social groups, support groups, and treatment centers.

Treatment

Narcolepsy is a chronic, progressive disorder that can be treated with medication and behavioral therapy. Buy Modalert 200 Medications are typically used to treat sleepiness and other symptoms, while behavioral approaches focus on changing daily habits and lifestyle choices.

Symptoms of narcolepsy can range from mild to severe. They include excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), cataplexy, automatic behaviors, hallucinations, and sleep paralysis.

Treatment for narcolepsy involves modifying lifestyle habits and using Waklert Australia medications to help people stay alert. Central nervous system stimulants, such as modafinil and armodafinil, are commonly prescribed. Drugs can also be combined with behavioral strategies, such as nap therapy.

Cataplexy is a sudden loss of muscle tone that can include drooping eyelids and collapse. It can happen several times a day to once a year and is usually brought on by laughter or intense emotions.

People with narcolepsy have low levels of the brain hormone hypocretin, which causes them to feel tired. They also have a tendency to have muscle weakness when they laugh or are angry.