Sleep well, live well
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF NARCOLEPSY
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Table of Contents
QUICK FACTS
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that makes you feel extremely tired, and may cause uncontrollable sleep attacks. The main symptom of narcolepsy is excessive daytime sleepiness. You may feel tired during the day, even after a full night of sleep. It is hard to prevent this feeling of sleepiness.
DIAGNOSIS
Narcolepsy is diagnosed by a sleep doctor. The frst step is to identify or rule out other causes of excessive daytime sleepiness. The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history. You might complete a questionnaire to assess the severity of sleepiness. The doctor also may ask you questions about the presence of cataplexy, which is another common symptom of narcolepsy. Cataplexy involves a sudden loss of muscle tone while you are awake. For example, your head may drop, or your entire body may collapse. It is often triggered by strong emotions such as laughter.
Other symptoms of narcolepsy can include sleep paralysis and hallucinations. A combination of tests is used to identify narcolepsy. The testing is done at an accredited sleep disorders center.
OVERNIGHT SLEEP STUDY
An overnight sleep study at a sleep center is known as a polysomnogram. The study monitors your brain waves, breathing, heart rate and body movements
while you sleep. A trained technologist will attach sensors to your head, chin, chest and legs. The technologist will monitor your study through the night to ensure your safety and comfort. The sleep study may identify other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, that may be causing your daytime sleepiness.
MULTIPLE SLEEP LATENCY TEST (MSLT)
After waking up, patients remain at the sleep center for a daytime nap study, known as a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). It measures the severity of your daytime sleepiness. The test requires you to take multiple naps at set times throughout the day. It will show how quickly you fall asleep in quiet, daytime situations. Most people with narcolepsy fall asleep in an average of three minutes during the MSLT. If the diagnosis is uncertain, there is an additional test that your doctor can perform. The test will look for a special protein that is lacking in some people who have narcolepsy.
Is My Child at Risk ?
The vast majority of people with narcolepsy had no recognizable risk factors. Sometimes it can occur in families. In some cases, narcolepsy can develop after a head injury or a viral illness. About one in 2,000 people have some form of narcolepsy.
treatments of narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a lifelong disorder. There is no known cure, but there are several treatment options. Symptoms require
ongoing management, and you need regular follow-up visits with your sleep doctor. Many people with narcolepsy
are able to have a happy, fulfilling life.
Comprehensive treatment of narcolepsy often includes medication.
It also may include behavioral changes and counseling.
MEDICATION
Medications may help control symptoms of narcolepsy and improve your quality of life:
Stimulants can help you stay awake during the day. Examples include modafnil (Provigil) and methylphenidate (Ritalin).
SSRI’s, or antidepressants, are often prescribed to treat cataplexy. They also can treat other narcolepsy symptoms such as sleep paralysis and hallucinations.
BEHAVIORAL AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES
These changes can help improve your symptom management:
Maintain a regular sleep-wake schedule.
Adults should sleep 7 hours or more per night. Teens should sleep 8 to 10 hours nightly.
Take brief, scheduled naps at strategic times during the day.
Get regular exercise and exposure to bright light during the day.
Tips
- Recognizing your limits will keep you and others safe. You may want to avoid driving or operatingheavy machinery. You also should consider avoiding jobs that require night shift work.
- Be honest with your sleep doctor about your symptoms. Be sure to report any unpleasant medication side effects.
QUESTIONS ABOUT A SLEEP ISSUE? LET’S TALK.
Imtiaz Ahmad, MD, MPH, FCCP
Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad is a highly qualified physician, Board Certified in Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine. He has received advanced training from some of the most prestigious institutions, including Harvard University, Cornell University, State University of New York at Brooklyn, and the University of Mississippi. SOMNAS is a medical facility that is committed to improving and maintaining the health of patients with sleep disorders. The expert team at SOMNAS is known for their compassionate and high-quality care. They offer unparalleled treatment and care to patients on the Gulf Coast of Florida, ensuring a better and healthier life for them.
Job Title: Board Certified in Pulmonary Medicine
