Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder associated with uncontrollable sleepiness and frequent daytime sleeping.

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

The exact cause of narcolepsy is unknown. Studies have indicated that the disorder may be genetic, with studies showing gene markers that may indicate a tendency to develop narcolepsy. A small group of neurons in the brain has been implicated in producing transitions from sleep to wakefulness and vice-versa, and people with narcolepsy may have fewer of these neurons or they may have been damaged.

The condition may be aggravated by conditions that cause insomnia, such as disruption of work schedules.

Narcolepsy is characterized by episodes of frequent, uncontrollable daytime sleeping, usually preceded by drowsiness. The episodes usually occur after meals, but sudden onset of sleep may occur while working or driving a vehicle, having a conversation, or being in any sedentary or nonstimulating situation.

There is a brief period of sleep, and the person awakens feeling refreshed. However, he or she may again become uncontrollably sleepy a short time later.

Narcolepsy can also be associated with cataplexy, a brief episode of severe loss of tone of various muscles. Generalized weakness may occur for a few moments during the transition between sleep and wake (sleep-paralysis). Many people with narcolepsy also have dreamlike hallucinations in the transition between sleep and wakefulness.

Narcolepsy Symptoms & Signs

• Persistent drowsiness
• Difficulty for a young adult to stay awake during classes or work
• A sudden, uncontrollable need to sleep during the day (hypersomnia)
  • May occur several times during a day
  • Usually after eating, but may occur at any time
  • Each sleep episode lasts about 15 minutes
• Awake and refreshed feeling after each episode
• Hallucinations, visual (sight) or auditory (hearing) may precede sleep or occur during the sleep episode
• Sudden loss of muscle tone (cataplexy)
  • May be associated with emotional reactions such as laughter or anger
  • May be similar in appearance to seizures
• Temporary inability to use muscles (sleep paralysis)
  • Occurs immediately upon awakening
  • Occurs at the onset of drowsiness

Narcolepsy Diagnosis & Tests

The diagnosis is confirmed by sleep studies (polysomnogram).

Tests to rule out other disorders may include:

• Lab tests (variable, depending on the suspected cause)
• ECG (heart monitor)
• Monitoring of breathing
• EEG (brain wave monitoring)
• Recording of the amount of sleep
• Sleep lab study -- recording of observed sleep cycle including episodes of REM sleep (the part of the cycle where dreaming occurs)

Narcolepsy Treatment

There is no known cure for narcolepsy. Treatment is aimed at control of the symptoms.

Lifestyle adjustments and learning to cope with the emotional and other effects of the disorder may improve functioning in work and social activities. Planned naps can help regulate daytime sleep and reduce the number of unplanned, sudden sleep attacks. It is important to tell teachers and supervisors about this condition so that those affected are not punished for being "lazy" at school or work.

Eating light or vegetarian meals during the day and avoiding heavy meals prior to important activities can help reduce the odds of an attack after daytime meals. If possible, schedule a brief nap (10 to 15 minutes) after meals.

Prescription medications may be necessary, including stimulants such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate (Ritalin). Modafinil, a new type of stimulant that is believed to have less abuse potential than other stimulants, has recently been found to be effective in maintaining wakefulness.

Antidepressant medications such as imipramine can help to reduce the number of episodes of cataplexy, but they usually do not reduce the number of sleeping episodes.