Narcolepsy: Definition, Symptoms and Causes

Have you ever seen a friend or maybe yourself who felt very sleepy and suddenly fell asleep? It could be, sudden sleep attacks are classified as narcolepsy.

Narcolepsy sufferers are very difficult to control sleepiness during the day so it is easy to fall asleep and of course interfere with activities.
What causes narcolepsy?

For some people, we still don't know what causes narcolepsy. However, scientists feel that this sleep disturbance is related to certain genetic characteristics.

These genes control the production of chemicals in the brain that mark the sleep and wake cycle. Some experts also assume that narcolepsy is caused by a lack of production of a brain chemical called hypocretin. Hypocretinic brain chemicals regulate sleep or wake up the body, as needed.
What are the symptoms of narcolepsy?

As a rule, excessive daytime sleepiness is considered a symptom of narcolepsy. In addition, several other symptoms of narcolepsy can be identified, including:

cataplexy
These symptoms appear suddenly and are marked by loss of control and muscle weakness. These symptoms will cause people with speech disorders, the body feels weak and lameness depends on the muscles that can not be controlled. This condition is often triggered by explosive emotions such as shock, laughter, or anger.
delusion

Usually this hallucinating experience seems real and often scares people. Although hallucinations are only visual, five other senses are involved. When this condition occurs during sleep, we talk about hypnagogic hallucinations. Conversely, if you wake up or wake up, this condition is called hypnopompic hallucinations.
Sleep paralysis

The inability to talk or move while sleeping or waking up is another symptom of narcolepsy. This condition usually occurs very quickly and lasts a few seconds. At the end of this situation, people will be able to move or talk again as before.

Narcolepsy treatment

Basically, there is no cure for narcolepsy. However, narcolepsy symptoms can be minimized with treatment. Excessive drowsiness can be treated with stimulants such as amphetamine. Meanwhile, abnormal symptoms of REM sleep can be treated with antidepressants.

On the other hand, there are drugs that are approved for sufferers of narcolepsy and cataplex. This medication is called Xyrem, which helps you sleep better and reduces excessive sleepiness during the day. At the very least, this drug can help people with narcolepsy, although it must remain in medical care.

Make sure you always adopt a healthy lifestyle by avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine. Plan regular exercise and adequate nutrition to reduce narcolepsy symptoms.

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