Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy occurs when the brain is unable to properly regulate sleeping and waking patterns. Although it does not cause long-term health problems, it can result in significant impacts on your daily life.

The exact cause of narcolepsy is often unclear, but it is thought to be the result of a lack of a brain chemical called hypocretin, also known as orexin, which regulates wakefulness.The most common symptoms are:

• Extreme tiredness (fatigue) during the day
• Suddenly falling asleep without warning (a sleep attack)
• A temporary loss of muscle control as a result of laughter or anger (cataplexy)
• The inability to move during sleep (sleep paralysis)

Your GP or consultant will discuss your narcolepsy symptoms with you. Tests they may recommend include:

• Filling out an Epworth sleepiness scale questionnaire to determine how likely you are to fall asleep during different activities
• Attending a specialist sleep clinic to assess the problems that you are having
• Respiratory sleep study (to monitor your breathing, blood oxygen levels and heart rate)
• Polysomnography (a sleep study that records your brain waves, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing and eye and leg movements)
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) to monitor brainwaves

Treatment options for your sleep disorder depend on the nature of your condition. Your GP or consultant may consider recommending:

• Counselling such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help you better manage unhelpful thoughts and habits relating to sleep
• Advice on how to practice good sleeping habits such as taking brief, frequent naps during the day and sticking to a strict bedtime routine.
• Medicines to stimulate your central nervous system and help you stay awake during the day