The German Society for Sleep Research and Sleep Medicine said that narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disease that occurs due to the brain losing the ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles naturally.
Symptoms
The association explained that the symptoms of narcolepsy are extreme sleepiness during the day and the inability to resist it, and then sleeping in strange places or positions such as the bathtub, during conversation, or during work, in addition to immobility. Muscle tension suddenly decreases, and those affected suddenly collapse.
Symptoms also include hallucinations when sleeping or waking up and sleep paralysis, whereby those affected are temporarily unable to move or speak when waking up or sleeping, despite being completely conscious.
Narcolepsy may also be accompanied by other symptoms or conditions, such as:
– Nightmares
– Sleepwalking
– Migraine
– Disorders of breathing during sleep (sleep apnea)
– Periodic involuntary movements during sleep, such as leg movements
– Concentration problems
– Low performance
– Depression
– Weight gain as the disease progresses due to poor appetite regulation
Treatment
The German Society indicated that narcolepsy is currently considered an incurable disease. So treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, and this usually includes a combination of drug and non-drug treatments.
Narcolepsy can be treated with medications that combat excessive daytime sleepiness or sudden loss of muscle tone, while antidepressants are effective in treating sleep paralysis and hallucinations.
In addition to drug treatment, it is very important for patients with narcolepsy to get enough sleep and maintain a regular sleep schedule. It is recommended to take regular breaks and short naps during the day to ensure a few hours of rest and energy.
Regarding diet, it is recommended to avoid large meals; Because it may increase drowsiness. Exercising is also beneficial, especially since many of those affected are overweight.