Narcolepsy

Find out more about a condition characterised by sudden and uncontrollable attacks of sleep at unexpected times

Narcolepsy is a neurological condition most characterized by Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS), even after adequate night time sleep.

Symptoms

Its most common manifestation is a tendency to fall asleep, even in unlikely circumstances such as in the middle of a conversation or at the dinner table.

The other conspicuous symptom is a sudden loss of muscular control triggered by emotions such as amusement, anger or excitement. This is called Cataplexy. It may cause the jaw to drop and the head to slump, or the legs to collapse.

These attacks can last for seconds or many minutes and can occur many times a day.

Other symptoms of narcolepsy include:

• Temporary paralysis on falling asleep or awakening (sleep paralysis)
• Hallucinations on falling asleep or awakening (called Hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations respectively)
• Moments of trance-like behaviour in which routine activities are continued on "auto-pilot" (automatic behaviour)
• Interruption of night-time sleep by frequent waking periods, marked by quickening of the heart rate, over-alertness, hot flushes, agitation, and an intense craving for sweets

What causes Narcolepsy?

The exact cause of narcolepsy remains unclear.

Currently, the general consensus is that genetics accompanied by an environmental trigger of some sort - a virus, for example - may affect brain chemicals and contribute to the disorder.

What about treatment?

Although it's not yet possible to cure narcolepsy, symptoms can be treated to enable someone to lead a normal life.

Treatments include:

• Sleep therapy is important and involves making sure that frequent brief naps are taken and spaced evenly throughout the day. This can reduce excessive daytime sleepiness.
• Stimulant drugs such as amphetamines work well for some and anti-depressants are often described when cataplexy is a problem.
• Rooms should be well ventilated. It also helps if family, friends and colleagues are made aware of the problem and how best to help the sufferer.

Attacks can be kept to a minimum by:

• Reducing stress
• Taking short naps throughout the day
• Regular exercise
• Keeping to strict bedtimes