{"id":6782,"date":"2019-06-03T05:26:14","date_gmt":"2019-06-03T05:26:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=6782"},"modified":"2021-06-11T16:05:18","modified_gmt":"2021-06-11T16:05:18","slug":"14-early-overlooked-signs-of-narcolepsy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/14-early-overlooked-signs-of-narcolepsy\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Early Overlooked Signs of Narcolepsy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Narcolepsy is a condition that causes the patient to fall asleep suddenly and without warning. It is often seen in the media, but the reality can be quite different than the way it is portrayed here.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Narcolepsy does indeed cause patients to fall asleep suddenly, but it can also have other, more subtle signs. These can include much less obvious symptoms, but if you are able to spot those signs early, then you can get treatment before the condition develops into a serious problem. Treatments like modafinil, for instance, have been proven to be successful and may be effective in preventing an injury caused by a sudden loss of consciousness.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this post, we will examine some of the more easily missed signs of narcolepsy, so that you can find a treatment early and get a better grasp of what might be affecting your health.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 Sleepiness<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Or more specifically: \u2018excessive daytime sleepiness\u2019. While the aforementioned losses of consciousness are what many of us associate with this condition, in truth, daytime sleepiness is actually the main symptom of narcolepsy <\/a>and the first one that you should look out for.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might find that you feel extremely exhausted and tired, even after a good night of sleep. Moreover, you may notice that even if the sleepiness passes for a while, it always eventually returns.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, there are a large number of different issues and conditions that can lead to tiredness and sleepiness. Chief among these is apnea, which may cause a number of similar conditions. Here, you wake in the night for brief, imperceptible amounts of time, due to difficulties breathing. Alternatively, you might experience tiredness as a result of depression, metabolic syndrome, stress, or a huge range of other potential factors.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order to discern whether your tiredness is indeed caused by narcolepsy, it is important to discuss the tiredness with your doctor. Tiredness is <\/span>always <\/span><\/i>worth exploring.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2 \u2018Foggy\u2019 Thinking<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brain fog<\/a> is another very common symptom of narcolepsy that gets a little less attention. This is similar to the above sleepiness, wherein the brain is tired and less able to function properly. When someone is tired normally, it often points to a build-up of waste products in the brain such as adenosine which can make neurons fire more sluggishly. That is not what causes the brain fog and tiredness observed in narcolepsy however \u2013 which is instead a sign of low hypocretin or orexin. This is a neurochemical that is responsible for regulating sleep cycles and wakefulness, and for helping the brain to switch off at the right times.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With this chemical acting inappropriately, the patient might, therefore, see elevations in other neurotransmitters like melatonin and GABA. These are \u2018sleep hormones\u2019 and inhibitory neurotransmitters, which work by downregulating the activity of the neurons and making them less likely to fire. In short, this results in thoughts moving more slowly and coming less regularly. It may feel a little like being drunk, or still half asleep.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3 Poor Sleep<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Poor sleep <\/a>might seem like an ironic symptom of narcolepsy, but it makes perfect sense when you consider the above point. The reason narcolepsy sufferers struggle to stay awake, is that they have impaired internal pacemakers (body clocks), which in turn causes them to fall asleep at inappropriate times. In just the same way, this can also cause them to struggle to <\/span>get <\/span><\/i>to sleep at the times that they are meant to!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might find that it becomes much more difficult to fall asleep in the first place at this point and you may lie awake for long hours. Alternatively, you might find that you wake frequently throughout the night, or stop feeling tired.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The worst thing to do if you experience this is to try and \u2018force yourself\u2019 to sleep. By doing this, you will actually increase your stress levels and that will elevate your heart rate \u2013 making it almost impossible to nod off. While it is frustrating, try to simply enjoy lying in a calm and dark space.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, there are many causes for insomnia, and so this condition is actually easy to overlook.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4 Cataplexy<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cataplexy<\/a> is another of the most common symptoms of narcolepsy and finds itself among the \u2018narcolepsy tetrad\u2019 of the four most common issues.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cataplexy describes the sudden \u2018lack of muscle tone\u2019 that can cause a person to collapse and that is often associated with narcolepsy and believed to be a sign of someone falling suddenly asleep. It is actually quite a different phenomenon, however, and in most cases, the patient is actually fully awake and aware. This does not make it any less dangerous, however.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cataplexy is perhaps the most dangerous and disruptive part of narcolepsy in some cases, and should, therefore, be managed. Many lifestyle changes can help to reduce the onset of this unpleasant experience, while also making it less damaging. For instance, you should avoid long drives on the motorway which can lull anyone to sleep, and you should be vigilant with \u2018self-checks\u2019. Likewise, consider the type of work that is suitable for the condition, and that which is not (construction).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5 Sleep Paralysis<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sleep paralysis<\/a> is an unusual experience that often occurs early in the morning upon waking. Here, the individual will find themselves unable to move and feel as though they are frozen in the spot \u2013 which can be very frightening the first time it occurs. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The experience is made worse too, by the common sensation of a \u2018ghostly presence\u2019. Many people will wake on their front and feel as though someone is standing behind them watching them. It can also be accompanied by night terrors.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, sleep paralysis can be seen as the opposite of cataplexy, caused by a similar hormonal\/neurotransmitter imbalance. Here, the body\u2019s natural tendency to lock the body during sleep (to prevent acting out the dreams) simply does not turn off properly upon waking.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6 Excessive Dreaming and Hallucinations<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another symptom of the sleep-wake cycle being out of alignment is the appearance of hallucinations <\/a>or waking dreams. These are most similar to hypnagogia and hypnopompic \u2013 the mental states that occur just before sleeping and upon waking. During this time, we are not dreaming, but our thoughts are muddled and we may continue to witness very real imagery. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In narcolepsy, this state can occur at any time, leading to confusion and potentially even being frightening for the patient.  This is also linked to sleep paralysis.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While you can\u2019t completely prevent this condition, what you can do is to try and practice good sleep habits wherever possible. That means using good \u2018sleep hygiene\u2019 (avoiding excess light in the bedroom for example), and it means taking day time naps. There are also numerous medications that can help to treat sleepiness as well as hallucinations.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7 Anxiety and Social Issues<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, many people with this condition will find themselves experiencing anxiety and social issues. This is a secondary symptom, meaning that it occurs as a result of <\/span>other <\/span><\/i>symptoms \u2013 rather than being caused by the condition correctly (though the relationship between narcolepsy and stress hormones <\/a>is worth exploring further).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Essentially, someone who finds themselves often unable to concentrate or focus may find that they have difficulty performing a number of day-to-day tasks. This can have obvious repercussions for their social life, their relationships, and of course their work. The result is that you might find yourself feeling anxious in social settings or even experiencing panic attacks.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The key is to communicate your condition clearly, not to place pressure on yourself, and to control your breathing if you find yourself becoming worked up in any of these scenarios.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8 Sleep Attacks<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The perhaps surprising thing to learn is that only very rarely does a person actually fall asleep without warning \u2013 even when suffering from narcolepsy. There are too many functions other than orexin <\/a>that will prevent that from happening.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, in the case of type 1 narcolepsy, it is still possible for this to occur in some cases. This is effectively cataplexy which may lead to involuntary falling, combined with extreme sleepiness and brain fog.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. REM Sleep Changes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who are dealing with the effects of narcolepsy find that they experience changes in REM sleep. Rapid Eye Movement, is a state of deep sleep where we start to dream. During this phase of sleep, the brain clear neural pathways of toxins<\/a>, preparing it for the demands of the following day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People with sleep disorders fail to reach this stage of sleep, resulting in the inefficient removal of toxins \u2013 resulting in brain fog and fatigue the following day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, patients who are dealing with the effects of narcolepsy find that it takes less time to fall into this sleep state, with the average patient achieving REM state in 15-minutes, as opposed to 60-minutes in healthy individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are dealing with narcolepsy may find that they enter the REM state, even during an afternoon nap. While there is no negative aspect of this, patients may find that they feel groggy after waking up from their nap.
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10. Narcolepsy Vs. Normal Sleep Pattern<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Matthew Walker is one of the foremost world authorities on sleep, and its effects on our body and mind. Dr. Walker states that the normal sleep process begins with a phase called NREM, (non-rapid eye movement.) During this stage of sleep, brainwaves begin to slow considerably, providing a relaxing effect on the mind and body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After being asleep for an hour, activity in the brain <\/a>starts to change, and the brainwaves slow again, inducing the REM state where we begin to dream. Individuals with narcolepsy often report that they don’t dream, or they may experience the exact opposite, with lucid dreams that feel real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients with narcolepsy skip the initial step of NREM, entering REM much faster, and these states occur during the day or the night in people dealing with narcolepsy. Most people who take an afternoon nap will not enter the REM state, as they are not asleep for long enough to induce REM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice that it’s challenging to wake someone up form an afternoon nap, and they seem to be napping more frequently than usual, they may be suffering from the effects of narcolepsy.
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11. Unknown Causes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Estimates show that one in every 2,000-Americans suffers from some form of narcolepsy. However, only 25-percent of all Americans dealing with the disorder receive a diagnosis. This sleeping disorder occurs in different types. Narcolepsy that happens in conjunction with cataplexy, is known as “narcolepsy type 1.” When narcolepsy occurs without the presence of cataplexy, it is known as “narcolepsy type 2.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both types of the disorder have a detrimental effect on the quality of life for the affected individual, and they may find themselves falling asleep at periods of the day when they want to remain awake. Medical science is still at a loss to explain the biological mechanism behind the disorder. However, doctors do understand that people with narcolepsy type 1, have a lower level of hypocretin <\/a>in the brain, an essential neurochemical responsible for regulating REM sleep and wakefulness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medical experts have no idea why patients would be low in this neurochemical. However, some medical experts believe it may be an autoimmune reaction that prevents the production of hypocretin in the brain.
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12. Automatic Behavior<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most distressing symptoms of narcolepsy is the occurrence of automatic behavior. Patients who are dealing with the effects of the condition may find that they fall asleep while doing specific tasks, like writing <\/a>or typing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the patient falls asleep, they may continue with their activity, even though they are not consciously aware of their actions. While this automatic behavior is not much cause for concern in situations like writing or typing, it can be life-threatening if a patient falls asleep behind the wheel of their car. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This type of situation does not always involve the onset of an automotive accident. Some patients wake up in their car, parked in their garage, after driving home from their location. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medical science is at a loss to explain the mechanism responsible for automatic behavior, and there is no medication to prevent it from occurring in individuals with narcolepsy. Some patients may find that they sleepwalk, and they may also wake up in the middle of the night to find themselves staring into an open fridge or sitting in front of the TV in the lounge.
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13. Occurs at Any Age<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While the data shows that narcolepsy can affect anyone, at any age, most patients experience the onset of narcolepsy before the age of 18-years old. Doctors diagnose most cases in adolescents or during early adulthood. At this age, the condition becomes apparent because these individuals do not have the same energy levels as their peers, and they continuously complain about feeling tired or fatigued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typical symptoms that occur alongside narcolepsy are a sudden weight gain, as well as the need to sleep all of the time. The changes in activity levels caused by narcolepsy may slow metabolism<\/a>, resulting in the sudden weight gain, with some patients gaining as much as 30-percent of their initial body weight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In older kids, the condition may present a state of “brain fog” where the affected individual finds it challenging to maintain cognitive function. As a result, they may fall asleep in class, and experience trouble with studying due to poor memory recall.
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14. Lifestyle Complications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Narcolepsy is not a life-threatening condition, but it has a severe impact on the health and well-being of the affected individual. Teens who develop narcolepsy may feel embarrassed about their sudden weight gain<\/a>, causing them to shy away from social activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kids with the disorder that falls asleep during class may end up doing poorly on tests, resulting in bad grades that jeopardize the future of their higher education in college.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who are dealing with narcolepsy in adult life run the risk of falling asleep at work. While this is already a concern for any employer that values their employee’s time, it also could result in a life-threatening situation if the patient’s job involves manual tasks, such as lifting, operating machinery, or driving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should these employees fall asleep at work, they risk doing injury to themselves or their colleagues. As a result, patients with narcolepsy may find it hard to graduate or hold down a job.
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