Perspective, J Sleep Disor Treat Care Vol: 12 Issue: 4

Symptoms of Narcolepsy and Impact on Health of an Individual

Zhang Oberle^*

¹Department of Neurology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea

*Corresponding Author: Zhang Oberle,
Department of Neurology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
E-mail: zhanober@skku.edu

Received date: 24 July, 2023, Manuscript No. JSDTC-23-114445;

Editor assigned date: 27 July, 2023, PreQC No. JSDTC-23-114445 (PQ);

Reviewed date: 10 August, 2023, QC No. JSDTC-23-114445;

Revised date: 17 August, 2023, Manuscript No. JSDTC-23-114445 (R);

Published date: 24 August, 2023, DOI: 10.4172/2325-9639.23.12.135

Citation: Oberle Z (2023) Symptoms of Narcolepsy and Impact on Health of an Individual. J Sleep Disor: Treat Care 12:4.

Description

Imagine experiencing sudden bouts of uncontrollable sleepiness that strike at any moment, even during activities like driving or working. This is the reality for individuals living with narcolepsy; a neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden muscle weakness (cataplexy) and hallucinations that disrupted nighttime sleep. Narcolepsy is a complex condition that can profoundly affect a person's daily life.

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder that disrupts the normal sleep-wake cycle. It affects approximately 1 in 2,000 people, making it relatively rare but significant for those who experience it. Narcolepsy is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed due to its diverse range of symptoms.

Narcolepsy presents a constellation of distinctive symptoms, each contributing to the complexity of this sleep disorder. The Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS), a relentless and pervasive sensation of sleepiness that pervades waking hours, compelling individuals with narcolepsy to indulge in frequent naps, irrespective of their immediate environment.

Cataplexy, a symptom, manifests as the abrupt loss of muscle tone, frequently incited by intense emotions like laughter, surprise or anger. During an incident of cataplectic, individuals may encounter muscle weakness or even collapse while maintaining consciousness, with variations in intensity and duration.

Sleep paralysis, a temporary inability to move or speak during sleep onset or awakening, often accompanied by vivid hallucinations and an impending sense of danger, and is also common in narcolepsy.

Hallucinations of the hypnagogic and hypnopompic variety add to the disorder's intricacy, resembling visionary incidents that occur during the transition into or out of sleep, occasionally tinged with fear or disorientation.

Narcolepsy disrupts nighttime sleep, yielding disturbances like frequent awakenings or vivid dreams, despite the overwhelming daytime sleepiness. These primary symptoms collectively delineate the intricate tapestry of narcolepsy, highlighting the multifaceted nature of this sleep disorder.

Narcolepsy primarily stems from a deficiency in hypocretin, a neurotransmitter vital for regulating wakefulness and REM sleep. This deficiency results in disrupted sleep-wake patterns. While the precise cause of hypocretin deficiency varies, it often involves autoimmune processes targeting hypocretin-producing brain cells. Genetic factors, with narcolepsy's tendency to be hereditary, also contribute to its development.

Diagnosing narcolepsy is intricate due to its symptom diversity and overlap with other sleep disorders. Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive clinical assessment, encompassing medical history and symptom evaluation. An overnight polysomnogram at a sleep clinic monitors various physiological parameters to gauge sleep quality. Subsequently, a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) measures daytime sleepiness by assessing how quickly an individual falls asleep during scheduled naps. In certain instances, a cerebrospinal fluid sample may be examined to measure hypocretin levels, confirming narcolepsy when hypocretin deficiency is evident. This multi-pronged approach aids in accurate narcolepsy diagnosis.

Narcolepsy, although lacking a cure, offers multiple treatment avenues to alleviate symptoms and enhance the quality of life for individuals affected. Customized treatment programs encompass a range of options such as stimulant medications like modafinil and methylphenidate, which combat daytime sleepiness and enhance wakefulness. Antidepressants, particularly Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), are employed to manage cataplexy and other narcoleptic symptoms.

Conclusion

Narcolepsy is a complex sleep disorder that challenges individuals with its unpredictable symptoms and the impact it has on daily life. From overwhelming daytime sleepiness to the sudden loss of muscle tone during cataplexy incidents, narcolepsy can be disruptive and emotionally taxing. However, with proper diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan, individuals with narcolepsy can lead fulfilling lives, managing their symptoms effectively.