Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder which is caused by the brains' inability to regulate sleep cycles.

2. Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder which is caused by
the brains’ inability to regulate sleep cycles. At various times
during the day, the patient can fall asleep at any time for
anything from a few seconds up to a few minutes.The patient
has little or no control over falling asleep and it can happen at
the most inconvenient and embarrassing times for example,
whilst driving, during a meeting or conversation or even during
sex.
While Narcolepsy isn't very common, it still affects a lot of
people. It normally manifests itself in the patient's teens to
early twenties. However, Narcolepsy can start in both the very
young and the old.

3. There is a great deal of debate with regards to what causes
Narcolepsy. At this time, there isn't a definitive answer.
What is generally believed though is that the brain’ normal
pattern during sleep is that during the first hour, the brains
electrical activity reduces. After this hour, the electrical activity
starts to increase again.This is accompanied by rapid eye
movements (REM) and deep relaxation of your muscles. After a
while, the brain electrical activity starts to slow down again.
This cycle repeats itself a number of times throughout sleep.
Some investigation has shown that a person suffering from
Narcolepsy doesn't follow this same pattern,

4. or rather the initial slowing of the brains electrical activity is a
lot quicker than in a non-narcoleptic.
This sleep cycle is controlled by neurones within the brain. For
narcoleptics, it has been noted that the hormone Hypocretin is
a lot lower than in people who don't suffer from Narcolepsy.
Hypocretin it is believed controls the neurones which in turn
control the brains activity during sleep.
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5.  Excessive sleepiness in the daytime: A primary characteristic is
an uncontrollable need to sleep during the day along with
an overwhelming drowsiness. People who suffer from this
disorder will fall asleep without warning, anywhere and at
anytime. Apart from this, people who are suffering may also
experience a decreased alertness throughout the day.
 Abrupt loss of muscle tone (Cataplexy):This is a condition also
known as cataplexy, which can cause a range of physical
changes from slurred speech to complete weakness of most
muscles.This lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes.
Cataplexy is an uncontrollable condition that is often triggered
by intense emotions, usually ones that are positive such as
excitement and laughter, though sometimes surprise, fear and
anger are also part of it.

6. A few people who suffer from narcolepsy experience one or two
episodes in a year while there are others who have numerous
episodes.
 Sleep Paralysis: Often people suffering from this disorder
experience a temporary inability to speak or move while falling
asleep or upon waking.These episodes are frightening and
usually last only several seconds to several minutes. Sleep
paralysis imitates the type of temporary paralysis that normally
takes place during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, i.e. the
period of sleep in which dreams occur.This temporary
immobility that is experienced during REM sleep may prevent
the body from acting out.
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7. It is notable that not every person who suffers from sleep
paralysis has narcolepsy, however many normal people do
experience a few attacks of sleep paralysis, especially in young
adulthood.
 Hallucinations: When a person has narcolepsy, they may also
have hallucinations. This happens when a person falls quickly
into rapid eye movement (REM) sleep as they do at sleep onset
at night and periodically during the day. It is at this time you
may be semi awake when you begin dreaming and experience
your dreams as reality and they may be frightening and vivid.
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8. There is no cure for narcolepsy, but there are lifestyle
modifications and medications that can help you deal with the
symptoms.
Antidepressants and stimulants are some of the medications
that are used to deal with the disorder. It is advised that
you consult the doctor if you are suffering from other health
problems like high blood pressure and diabetes.

9. Since lifestyle modifications are important in managing the
symptoms, here are a few steps that could prove beneficial.
 Adhere to a sleeping schedule.You can do this by going to sleep
and waking up at the same time every day including weekends.
 Taking naps at regular intervals will also be refreshing and help
you stay awake for a few hours.
 Avoid alcohol and nicotine as using these substances may
worsen the signs and symptoms associated with narcolepsy.
 Exercise regularly as this will help you feel more awake during
the day and also help you sleep better at night.

Making a few lifestyle changes for the better will certainly help
you more than anything else. A healthy body and a healthy
mind will help you overcome almost all problems. Exercise, eat
right, and stay happy!

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