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Narcolepsy - The Management of a
Common Sleep Disorder
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Narcolepsy, a chronic and
commonly diagnosed sleep disorder, affects over a quarter of a
million Americans each year (approximately one person in every
two thousand). Characterized by the body's inability to properly
regulate sleep, narcolepsy's most obvious symptoms can include
cataplexy (involuntary loss of muscle control), "automatic"
behaviors (performing regular, mundane tasks by rote),
hallucinations and paralysis during sleep.
However, narcolepsy is most commonly associated with the onset
of "mini sleeps" or "sleep attacks" during the day. These
narcoleptic episodes (often referred to as EDS or excessive
daytime sleepiness) occur when the individual is suddenly
overcome by the urge to sleep. The resulting state of
narcolepsis can pass within a few seconds or it can last for
more than half an hour.
Relatively recent medical research identifies narcolepsy as a
genetically based sleep regulation disorder that usually emerges
during the middle and late teenage years. However, strong
evidence also suggests that some forms of the condition can be
caused by head trauma or brain injury. Regardless of the cause,
because the characteristics of narcolepsy can also be
symptomatic of other, similar sleep disorders, a thorough
medical evaluation (often including a variety of overnight sleep
tests) is required for a correct diagnosis.
Although scientists continue to close in on the genes connected
with the onset of narcolepsy, treatments for narcoleptics still
vary widely. Common treatments include the use of approved
prescription drugs, such as modafinil and selective serotonin
re-uptake inhibitors like fluoxitine and sertroline, to treat
the excessive daytime sleepiness.
In large part however the management of narcolepsy depends upon
what appears most effective for the individual, and because no
cure exists at this time, the available treatments primarily
address the sleep disorder's symptoms.
For most narcoleptics a combination of prescription medications,
natural sleep remedies and behavioral strategies prove the best
means of effectively managing their narcolepsy. This pro-active
approach to dealing with the condition involves simple lifestyle
adjustments to enhance the quality and duration of each night's
sleep (including dietary changes and the use of regular
exercise) as well as actively managed sleep cycles that
incorporate short, scheduled naps. A variety of natural sleep
remedies can also successfully help narcoleptics manage their
condition.
Herbal teas and infusions can effectively help to induce and
enhance the body's natural sleep cycle and offer a healthful
alternative to sleeping pills. Supplementary melatonin (the
hormone produced as part of the body's natural sleep cycle) may
also help narcoleptics enjoy a better night's sleep. Guided
meditation and relaxation, chromatherapy and aromatherapy can
also prove valuable natural enhancements to the successful
management of narcolepsy. |
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