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Narcolepsy
A neurological sleep disorder that affects the ability of the person to stay alert
even when they have had an adequate amount of sleep.
Signs and Symptoms
- Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS): EDS produces repeated naps,
usually in short periods and refreshing but the sleepiness returns 2-3 hours later.
- Cataplexy: This involves loss of muscle tone that often occurs in
the knees, face and neck. Cataplexy is commonly brought on by strong emotions such as
laughter, excitement or surprise. These episodes are brief, recovery is usually immediate
and complete.
- Sleep paralysis: A person is unable to move for a few minutes while
falling asleep and/or waking up. It also may be accompanied by the difficulty breathing.
- Hypnagogic hallucinations: Very realistic, vivid perception of a
presence that really is not there. Often accompanies sleep paralysis.
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Source: American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) |
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Types
- Narcolepsy with cataplexy.
- Narcolepsy without cataplexy.
Facts
- Affects less than 1% of the population.
- Usually occurs between ages of 15-25 with slightly higher risk for men.
- Appears there is a genetic link but is rare that a family have more than
two members with Narcolepsy.
- Treated with making life style changes and a combination of medications.
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