Common condition
Narcolepsy is a health condition that can cause a person to fall asleep randomly, and it can have a massive impact on the overall quality of life. This neurological disorder can cause low energy levels, moodiness, and even hallucinations.
Narcolepsy is not a common condition and affects around 30,000 people in the UK. The standard treatment for this condition is usually Modafinil. Narcolepsy is a complex condition and we’ll delve deeper into it below.
Narcolepsy - What is it?
Narcolepsy is a condition that affects your nervous system and how it regulates sleep. The most common symptoms of narcolepsy are daytime sleeping accompanied by some sleep paralysis. This lack of control of sleep can happen randomly and can lead to other problems - but it doesn’t necessarily cause any other serious or life-threatening long-term health implications.
Narcolepsy can potentially lead to loss of muscle tone, feelings of fatigue, or weakness and it can sometimes have other neurological effects (such as memory lapses and slurring speech) and it can also negatively impact mood and focus.
Narcolepsy can affect anyone of any age but is commonly developed around 15 - 25. This condition is heavily under-reported, which means the data surrounding narcolepsy makes it more difficult to suggest which parts of the population are more vulnerable. Still, it appears to be present equally across men and women.
Narcolepsy - The different types
There are two separate kinds of Narcolepsy known to medicine. These are as follows:
- Type 1 narcolepsy - This is sometimes referred to as narcolepsy with cataplexy. This is potentially/theoretically diagnosed because of low levels of hypocretin. Symptoms of this include severe daytime sleepiness. Cataplexy means muscle weaknes that’s brought about by strong emotions.
- Type 2 narcolepsy - Sometimes referred to as narcolepsy without cataplexy. This type of narcolepsy is usually less severe than type 1. People diagnosed with type 2 often have normal levels of hypocretin and don’t suffer other symtpoms such as muscle weakness.
Narcolepsy Causes
While the exact cause of narcolepsy is not currently known, there is a link that a lack of hypocretin/orexin (a chemical in the brain that controls wakefulness) may play some part. Why these low levels happen is also not understood, some theories postulate that it is an autoimmune disorder and others believe it’s due to genetic factors.
There is also research into abnormal brain function concerning REM sleep. REM stands for Rapid Eye Movement and is often associated with dreaming, and most dreams occur towards the end of a sleeping cycle. However, someone suffering from narcolepsy enters REM sleep almost immediately and can also enter this state during waking hours (hence the randomly falling asleep).
Some scientists believe that this ability to rapidly enter REM sleep is responsible for symptoms of sleep paralysis and hallucinations that some people suffering from narcolepsy have. The main cause of narcolepsy is yet to be fully understood - but it could be linked to psychological trauma, rapid changes in hormones (like puberty), or possible infections.
Narcolepsy Treatment
There is no known cure for Narcolepsy but there are treatments available to control it. Some medications can treat this condition (the primary one being Modafinil). This helps to combat daytime sleepiness, as this is the part of narcolepsy that can heavily impact the overall quality of life of an individual.
Exercising at certain times, avoiding alcohol, and quitting smoking can also help anyone suffering from narcolepsy to gain some control over their symptoms. These lifestyle changes can also reduce or eliminate the long-term negative health effects of narcolepsy. Caffeine (at the right time of the day) can also potentially help manage this condition.
What is Modafinil?
Modafinil (which is sometimes sold under varying brand names - like Provigil) is a medicine that can control the sleep issues people with narcolepsy face. This medicine is also used by shift workers or people with sleep apnea. Modafinil is classed as a eugeroic - this means it’s almost like a stimulant but doesn’t produce jitters, have a crash, or produce side effects.
People suffering from narcolepsy are also advised to try and keep a steady sleep schedule as this can help the body in regulating sleep and wakefulness.
No, we do not sell medication directly. We offer a variety of solutions via our partners. You'll be taken to their store directly when you purchase.
Additional information
