Not many people are aware of the real narcolepsy definition. There are plenty of common misunderstandings about the condition; it is thought to be the result of bad lifestyle choices or overextending oneself, or simply an overblown term for laziness. These are all grievous mistakes. What follows is an overview of the reality of the condition, and what living with it truly means.
Let's go over the essential narcolepsy definition. Narcoleptics suffer from a central nervous system condition that makes the brain incapable of controlling sleep cycles. The disorder manifests itself in a variety of symptoms, the three biggest ones being excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), cataplexy, and sleep paralysis.
EDS is what you'd expect: general fatigue during waking cycles, accompanied by depression and lack of focus. Generally it is is punctuated by sudden sleep episodes, or "attacks," over which the sufferer has no control. These attacks can last as little time as a few seconds or a few minutes. Cataplexy and sleep paralysis can both be defined as a temporary loss of muscle control. Cataplexy is often triggered by strong emotions; it happens during the waking cycle and can range in severity from an unnoticeable tic to a full-body collapse. To an observer, it looks like a seizure, meaning numerous doctors mistake narcoleptics for epileptics. Sleep paralysis takes place during the narcoleptic's sleep cycle; it includes a full-body collapse and often terrifying hallucinations. The poor narcoleptic is fully aware throughout both of these ordeals. This may be one of the grimmest bits of the narcolepsy facts.
One reason not many people know the narcolepsy facts is that the condition is extremely under-diagnosed. Approximately 50,000 out of the 200,000 estimated narcoleptics in the U.S. get proper treatment. The symptoms are frequently mistaken for the signs of drug abuse, exhaustion, or flat out laziness. The fact that most narcoleptics begin exhibiting symptoms during adolescents doesn't help the matter. Unfortunately, the longer the condition is ignored, the harder it is for the sufferer to find his or her way in the world. Sleep attacks and exhaustion, as well as the guilt that accompanies these symptoms, make it very difficult for a narcoleptic to function. It's vital to be able to stay awake, whether one is in a truly passive setting such as a meeting or a college lecture, or a more active passive setting such as behind the wheel of a car!
The condition as of yet has no cure, but there are several excellent maintenance treatments. Doctors tend to treat symptoms individually, as there is no all-in-one wonder drug. Stimulants, like methylphenidate, are a popular form of treatment for EDS. Cataplexy has been shown to respond to some antidepressants. Sleep paralysis and trouble sleeping can be aided by controlled doses of strong clinical sedatives. If any of these symptoms sound recognizable to you, do not wait anymore.
Let's go over the essential narcolepsy definition. Narcoleptics suffer from a central nervous system condition that makes the brain incapable of controlling sleep cycles. The disorder manifests itself in a variety of symptoms, the three biggest ones being excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), cataplexy, and sleep paralysis.
EDS is what you'd expect: general fatigue during waking cycles, accompanied by depression and lack of focus. Generally it is is punctuated by sudden sleep episodes, or "attacks," over which the sufferer has no control. These attacks can last as little time as a few seconds or a few minutes. Cataplexy and sleep paralysis can both be defined as a temporary loss of muscle control. Cataplexy is often triggered by strong emotions; it happens during the waking cycle and can range in severity from an unnoticeable tic to a full-body collapse. To an observer, it looks like a seizure, meaning numerous doctors mistake narcoleptics for epileptics. Sleep paralysis takes place during the narcoleptic's sleep cycle; it includes a full-body collapse and often terrifying hallucinations. The poor narcoleptic is fully aware throughout both of these ordeals. This may be one of the grimmest bits of the narcolepsy facts.
One reason not many people know the narcolepsy facts is that the condition is extremely under-diagnosed. Approximately 50,000 out of the 200,000 estimated narcoleptics in the U.S. get proper treatment. The symptoms are frequently mistaken for the signs of drug abuse, exhaustion, or flat out laziness. The fact that most narcoleptics begin exhibiting symptoms during adolescents doesn't help the matter. Unfortunately, the longer the condition is ignored, the harder it is for the sufferer to find his or her way in the world. Sleep attacks and exhaustion, as well as the guilt that accompanies these symptoms, make it very difficult for a narcoleptic to function. It's vital to be able to stay awake, whether one is in a truly passive setting such as a meeting or a college lecture, or a more active passive setting such as behind the wheel of a car!
The condition as of yet has no cure, but there are several excellent maintenance treatments. Doctors tend to treat symptoms individually, as there is no all-in-one wonder drug. Stimulants, like methylphenidate, are a popular form of treatment for EDS. Cataplexy has been shown to respond to some antidepressants. Sleep paralysis and trouble sleeping can be aided by controlled doses of strong clinical sedatives. If any of these symptoms sound recognizable to you, do not wait anymore.
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If you have been recently diagnosed with the disorder, seeking the fact about definition Narcolepsy is important to help you live with your condition. There is much to understand on this matter by visiting www.aboutnarcolepsy.org.
