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If you have sleep problems and interfere with the functioning of your mental, physical and emotional, then you might be suffering from a sleep disorder.

What is narcolepsy?

A chronic sleep disorder characterized by sudden attacks of sleep and daytime sleepiness overwhelming is designated as narcolepsy.

People with narcolepsy stay awake for long periods of time finding work. Narcolepsy is often mistaken for depression, a simple lack of sleep disorders, epilepsy or other conditions that can cause abnormal sleep patterns.

What are the signs and symptoms of narcolepsy?

Signs and symptoms of narcolepsy include:
Excessive daytime sleepiness
A main characteristic of narcolepsy is an uncontrollable urge to sleep during the day, with a heavy sleep. People who suffer from narcolepsy will fall asleep without warning, anywhere and anytime.

In addition, people may also experience a reduction in attention throughout the day.

sudden loss of muscle tone
There is also a condition known as cataplexy, which can cause a number of physical changes, slurred speech to complete the weakness of most muscles. It takes a few seconds to several minutes. Cataplexy is a condition of control is often triggered by intense emotions, usually positive effects such as excitement and laughter, even if sometimes, surprise, fear and anger are also part of it.

Some people with narcolepsy experience episodes of cataplexy a year or two while there are others who have many episodes. It has been studied for about 70% of people with narcolepsy experience cataplexy.

Sleep paralysis
Often, people with narcolepsy experience a temporary inability to speak or move while falling asleep or walking. These episodes are frightening and last only a few seconds to several minutes.

sleep paralysis mimics the type of temporary paralysis that normally occurs during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is the period of sleep in which dreams occur. This temporary immobility is seen during REM sleep may prevent the body to act on dream activity. It should be noted that all persons suffering from sleep paralysis has narcolepsy, but normal people do experience a few attacks of sleep paralysis, especially among young adults.

Hallucinations
When a person has narcolepsy, they can also be hallucinations. This happens when a person with narcolepsy falls quickly into rapid eye movement (REM) sleep as it is to sleep at night and periodically during the day. It is at this point could be semi awake when you start to dream and the reality of experience and dreams can be frightening and vivid.

Restless night's sleep

Occasional automatic behavior.
The signs and symptoms of narcolepsy usually develop with ages between 10 and 25, but the state can not begin before the age of 10 or 20 years and your 30 years. Narcolepsy seldom occurs after age 40.

What are the methods used to diagnose narcolepsy?

To diagnose narcolepsy doctor may make a preliminary diagnosis, based on your experience, how the sudden loss of muscle tone and excessive daytime sleepiness. It is, after lap as the doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist for evaluation and study.

I stay overnight at a sleep center where you sleep in-depth analysis by a team of specialists can be included in the definitive diagnosis. Some of the methods used have been listed below.
Sleep Questionnaire
A scale called the Epworth Sleepiness Scale uses a series of short questions is used to diagnose narcolepsy. This is a scale which will rank in certain situations.

Polysomnography
This is a test that involves measuring a variety of tactics that are made using electrodes placed on the scalp before you fall asleep. The electrical activity of brain and heart, with the movement of muscles and the eyes are measured by this test.

Multiple Sleep Latency Test
This is a test that measures how long does it take to fall asleep during the day. This is done by asking you to sleep for a series of four or five NAP four hours, when this is done specialists observe your sleep patterns.
What followed a treatment for narcolepsy?

There is no cure for narcolepsy, but there are lifestyle changes and medications that can help treat the symptoms.

Antidepressants and stimulants are drugs that are used to treat narcolepsy. It is recommended that you consult your doctor if you have other health problems such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus.

What changes can I do in my life to help me cope with narcolepsy?

Because lifestyle changes play an important role in managing the symptoms of narcolepsy, here are some steps that could be beneficial.
Adhere to a sleep schedule. You can do this by going to bed and wake up at the same time each day, including weekends.
With regular intervals NPA will also sweet and help you stay awake for several hours.
Avoid alcohol and nicotine using these substances may aggravate the signs and symptoms associated with narcolepsy.
Exercise regularly as this will help you feel more awake during the day and also help you sleep better at night.