narcolepsy
Understanding the Signs of Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is more common than many people think. With this health problem, a person may become sleepy at any time throughout the day. They are often categorized as being lazy but that isn’t the reality of the situation. For people with narcolepsy, falling asleep while at work, driving, or at home is very common. It can also result in the patient experiencing poor concentration, slower reflexes, and experiencing hallucinations.
A person with narcolepsy may have a strong need for sleep every three hours or so. When these feelings come on, they can easily fall asleep wherever they may be. It could be while they are in the middle of some activity as well which makes safety is a huge concern for individuals with narcolepsy.
After a nap of about 15 to 30 minutes, though, you may feel fully refreshed again. This is a cycle that will repeat itself again and again during your waking hours. If you have narcolepsy, it is sometimes hard though to know what is real and what is a dream. This is because narcolepsy results in a person having dreams quickly upon falling asleep. However, they may be awake but think they are dreaming or the other way around.
Temporary paralysis can also occur when someone suffers from narcolepsy. This symptom might occur right after you wake up. It can be stressful at first because you can’t move various parts of the body. If your narcolepsy strikes while you are involved in some kinds of activities, the inability to move can put you in a very dangerous situation.
If you have symptoms of narcolepsy, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Talk to him or her about what you are experiencing and your concerns. Your doctor can help you get a complete diagnosis through testing and a full assessment. If you do have narcolepsy, you should be on a regular sleep schedule, take short naps throughout the day, get plenty of exercise, and limit your intake of caffeine.
The stigma that comes with Narcolepsy in our society is one that can make it hard to go to a doctor. Many people with this type of disorder try to hide it because they don’t want people to see them as being someone that doesn’t want to work or that is just plain lazy. You should put these concerns aside because narcolepsy is a genuine disorder and you should seek medical attention for the problem. If someone you know may be suffering from narcolepsy, encourage him or her to get help and to not give in to those stigmas that can stand in the way of the help they need.
Many people with narcolepsy are able to live a life that is productive after they get the help that they need. There are various forms of treatment that can help to reduce the risks of the disorder and to reduce the need to sleep so often during the hours when you should be awake. Narcolepsy will continue to get worse if you don’t get help for it.
Since this type of health problem can be misdiagnosed, it is best to talk to your regular doctor. You can also ask for a referral to a specialist that has the expertise to look at such concerns in depth. It is often found that the body isn’t producing enough Hypocretin which is a type of neurochemical. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can live with your narcolepsy and not allow it to cause you undue stress or put you in any further danger.