What is Narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy
is
a dyssomnia condition that causes one to have excessive daytime sleepiness
even after adequate nighttime sleep. If the urge becomes overwhelming,
individuals will fall asleep for periods lasting from a few seconds
to several minutes.
This
is what narcoleptic may experience:
What
is the cause of Narcolepsy?
The cause of narcolepsy
remains unknown. But it is believed that narcolepsy involves multiple
factors interacting to cause neurological dysfunction and sleep disorders.
How
is Narcolepsy treated?
Oral
medications are necessary for narcolepsy treatment. Such treatmens
are normally provided to narcoleptic based
on their disorder symptoms. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin®),
modafinil, dextroamphetamine, and pemoline are used to overcome excessive
daytime sleepiness. A point to note, some stimulants may cause major
side effect such as liver failure and should be consume on physicians
instruction.
Therapies
for narcolepsy also include lifestyle changes. Proper sleep hygiene
such as consistent sleep schedule and the avoidance of shift work
and alcohol, is important.
