Ways to Manage and Identify Narcolepsy
When people suffer from sudden sleep attacks or drowsiness during the day, the cause can be a chronic sleep disorder called narcolepsy. The condition affects one in every 2000 people in the country, with an estimated 3 million cases worldwide. Narcolepsy is easily diagnosed because it exhibits signs similar to other common health conditions. However, once the diagnosis is determined and complete, one must make a few changes in their life.
Treatments options
There is no single cure that works a hundred percent for narcolepsy. While severe symptoms may require a doctor’s prescription, there are some treatment options via lifestyle changes for a person to cope with narcolepsy.
Managing driving
It is advisable for a person with narcolepsy to speak to their doctor before driving a vehicle. If the doctor gives the go-ahead, the patient must take certain precautions when they are behind the wheel. A few safety measures include:
Napping for short amounts of time before driving.
Keeping themselves entertained or engaged while driving. The person can try activities like talking with other individuals sitting in their car, playing music and singing along, or listening to the news.
Driving for short times at a stretch is also a great way to avoid any accidents. People should stop driving, get out of the car, stretch their bodies or walk around before resuming their journey.
Avoiding driving altogether is also a good idea for people affected by narcolepsy. They should look for carpool options or other modes of transport. Getting a family or friend to drive them around can also help reduce the stress caused by their condition.
Proper sleeping habits
Following good sleeping habits can help reduce excessive sleepiness during the day. A few methods to ensure proper sleep include:
Following a strict bedtime routine.
Ensuring the body is relaxed before bed by taking a warm bath or through other means.
Giving the body proper rest by taking brief, regular naps spaced out throughout the day.
Maintaining an environment that is ideal for proper sleep can also help improve one’s symptoms. One should sleep in a temperature they are comfortable with and a place that is calm and free from distractions.
Avoiding meals that are heavy before going to sleep.
Excluding coffee or caffeinated products from their regular liquid intake.
Refraining from exercise before bedtime.
Seeking support
Seeking the right type of support is another option when it comes to treatments for narcolepsy.
One must speak to a doctor about local support groups. At these meetings, the patient can meet and share experiences and solutions with other group members who have similar symptoms.
The person can also share their feelings with family members or friends and inform them of ways they can extend their support. Getting support while driving or running errands can go a long way in managing narcolepsy.
Speaking to a counselor is another way of dealing with the disorder if the condition affects an individual’s personal and professional life. A counselor can provide advice and other solutions to help one deal with fear, depression, stress, or anxiety caused by narcolepsy.
Diagnosis
It is vital to know about treatment options for narcolepsy, but that step comes only after the diagnosis. A diagnosis is conducted based on how much muscle tone one loses and how sleepy a person feels during the day. Following an initial diagnosis, the healthcare professional may refer the patient to a sleep specialist for a detailed diagnosis. A few methods to test for narcolepsy are:
Analyzing sleep history by Epworth Sleepiness Scale. The scale includes a series of short questions to test the level of drowsiness in narcolepsy patients.
Conducting a polysomnography test to measure several signals using electrodes placed on the scalp during sleep.
Multiple sleep latency tests measure how long it takes for a person to fall asleep during the day. The affected patient is asked to take four or five naps two hours apart while the specialist analyses their sleep pattern. Those with narcolepsy fall asleep quickly and enter a rapid eye movement (REM) sleep quickly.
Signs and symptoms
Apart from ways to diagnose and manage the condition, it is also important to look for signs and symptoms of narcolepsy. Complications from the disorder occur gradually and turn severe over time. Here are a few signs and symptoms of the condition to look for.
A person with narcolepsy may be affected by the inability to move or speak temporarily when they fall asleep or wake up.
Hallucinations are another sign of narcolepsy. These may occur when the person falls asleep or wakes up and not be completely asleep.
Cataplexy is one of the narcolepsy signs that can lead to physical muscle deterioration. These include weakness of most muscles and slurred speech.
A person with narcolepsy may fall asleep suddenly at any time of the day. The person may fall asleep while talking to someone else and wake up in 30 minutes feeling fresh. This may make it difficult for them to function properly or concentrate.
