Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder that is thought to be genetic and grossly under diagnosed. Narcolepsy generally has an onset of between ten and twenty years of age. It is difficult to diagnose because most people just assume that they are run down or tired and do not seek medical help. Another problem with diagnosis is that narcolepsy can mean different things to different people with some sufferers only experiencing daytime tiredness.
People with narcolepsy have different sleep patterns than ones without narcolepsy. Sleep studies show that narcoleptics sometimes or always enter REM sleep immediately upon falling asleep. Normally, it should take about 90 minutes to enter REM sleep. Excessive daytime sleepiness can result in an uncontrollable urge to sleep, especially if doing something passive, like reading, watching TV, or listening to a teacher. Naps are almost unavoidable and narcoleptics will often feel refreshed for a while after a quick nap.
Cataplexy is solely experienced by narcoleptics. Cataplexy is a sudden loss of muscle tone that can occur anytime, but is often triggered by an emotional swing, excitement, or most commonly, laughter. It is called sleep paralysis if experienced upon waking or falling asleep. Attacks can be mild where there is only a general feeling of weakness in the muscles, or severe where knees buckle, arms go limp, or the whole body collapses. Cataplexy can be described as being paralyzed, as if fully asleep. However, the mind is still very much awake and aware, unlike during a seizure. The same brainstem neurons that are inactive during REM sleep become inactive during a cataplectic attack.
Hallucinations, auditory and visual, are common during episodes of sleep paralysis. Hearing sounds and voices or seeing things while feeling paralyzed can be very disturbing for people who experience it. Other senses can be involved as well. Essentially, if you experience this, you are dreaming while you are still awake.
Talk with your doctor if you suspect that you could be suffering from narcolepsy. There is no cure, but there are several diets, behavioral changes, and medication programs that you may want to try. Stimulants and antidepressants may be prescribed by your doctor, but tolerance, abuse, and side effects lead most people to seek out behavioral therapies.
Narcolepsy can be considered a disability, so many employers and schools are willing to work with individuals to help them perform their duties. Regularly scheduled naps and bedtime routines are helpful. Exercising a few hours before bedtime and avoiding caffeine and smoking for several hours before bed can help to regulate sleep patterns and improve daytime wakefulness. Eating a healthy diet while avoiding excess carbohydrates, food additives, preservatives, and sugar help your body to more efficiently use the energy that you do have.
Avoiding chemicals and reducing toxins by supplementing with the best vitamin c powder can relieve a lot of the fatigue and brain fog that plagues narcoleptics. General inflammation in the body and brainstem can worsen narcoleptic symptoms. Vitamin C powder is highly absorbable and useful in clearing out toxins and inflammation. Using discount vitamins for long-term supplementation can reduce the cost of controlling symptoms. As always, talk with your doctor before you begin a vitamins and supplements routine.
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