What one should know about Narcolepsy? – Here are a few things to keep in mind

Narcolepsy

An overview

A chronic sleep disorder- Narcolepsy is characterised by sudden attacks of sleep and irresistible daytime drowsiness. People suffering from the condition of narcolepsy cannot stay awake for long periods regardless of the situation they are in. This condition can cause solemn disruptions in your everyday routine. Therefore people mostly prefer taking Artvigil 150mg to treat it.

At times, Narcolepsy can be abetted by an unexpected loss of (cataplexy) muscle tone, which can be provoked by a strong emotion. Narcolepsy that occurs with cataplexy, is known as type 1 narcolepsy, and the condition occurring without cataplexy, is known as type 2 narcolepsy.

This Chronic condition has no accurate cure. Conversely, changes in lifestyle and medications can aid to manage some symptoms. Support from your friends, family, teachers, or employers can help you to cope with narcolepsy.

Symptoms of the condition

The symptoms and signs of narcolepsy can worsen for the first few years and then will continue for life. These symptoms include:

1. Unnecessary daytime sleepiness

People going through the condition can fall asleep anywhere at any time without any warning. For instance, you are at your office or talking to your friend, and suddenly you nod off without any signs. It can last for a few minutes to half an hour. Once you wake up, you might feel refreshed, but sooner or later, you will get sleepy again.

You might experience decreased focus and alertness throughout the day. Unnecessary daytime sleepiness is generally the first symptom that appears to a person with the condition of narcolepsy, and it is the most troublesome, making it hard to concentrate on anything and fully function.

2. The unexpected loss of muscle tone

As mentioned above the condition cataplexy can root several changes in your body including slurred speech, and weakness in most of your muscles.
Caused by intense emotions like laughter or excitement, cataplexy is uncontrollable and can sometimes be caused by emotions like anger, surprise, or fear. For instance, you are laughing, and suddenly your head droops uncontrollably, or your knees start buckling.
Some individuals only experience one or two episodes of cataplexy in a year, whereas, some have to go through the same thing multiple times in a day. Not everyone having narcolepsy has to experience cataplexy.

3. Hallucinations

If you face hallucinations when you fall asleep, it is known as hypnagogic hallucinations, and if it occurs at the time you wake, it is known as hypnopompic hallucinations. The best example of this is when you feel that there is a stranger in your room. These hallucinations may be predominantly frightening and vivid because they might occur when you are not completely asleep, and as you begin dreaming, you feel your dream as a reality.

When to visit a doctor

It is important to see a doctor if this unnecessary daytime sleepiness disrupts your professional and personal life. Also, if you think that you need Artvigil 150mg, you should consult a doctor first as overdoing it can cause side effects, and underdosing might not affect it.