Narcolepsy, A Simple Guide to the Condition, Treatment and Related Diseases

Narcolepsy causes periods of extreme daytime sleepiness. The disorder also may cause muscle weakness. Most people who have narcolepsy have low levels of hypocretin. This is a chemical in the brain that helps promote wakingNarcolepsy is believed to be due to the auto-immune diseaseThe immune system mistakenly attacks the body's tissues. Low levels of histamine promote sleepiness. Often the brain show evidence of mental cloudinessThe four main symptoms of Narcolepsy are cataplexy, Extreme daytime sleepiness, hallucinations and sleep paralysisNarcoleptics may have episodes where they fall asleep suddenlySleep may also occur in the middle of talking or another activityMaintain a regular sleep schedule in a warmed environmentAvoid alcohol, caffeine-containing beverages and distractionsAvoid large, heavy meals just before sleepingTake antidepressants and stimulants while working-An original poem by Kenneth KeeInteresting Tips about the NarcolepsyA Healthy Lifestyle1.
Take a well Balanced Diet2. Treatment of Narcolepsya. Non medicinal methods:i. Explanation to family and patient with advice on how to cope with the sleepiness problemii. Instructions on how to regulate sleep habitsiii. Light therapy may help you keep a regular sleep and wake scheduleb. Medicinal methods:i. Pyschostimulants such as amphetamines, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine in dosages enough to maintain functioningii.
Antidepressant of tricyclic type may help3. Keep bones and body strongBone marrow produces our bloodEat foods rich in calcium like yogurt, cheese, milk, and dark green vegetables. Eat foods rich in Vitamin D, like eggs, fatty fish, cereal, and fortified milk. Eat food rich in Vitamins B and C such as green vegetables and fruitsZinc and other minerals are important to the body4. Get enough rest and SleepAvoid stress and tension5.
Exercise and stay active. It is best to do weight-bearing exercise such as walking, jogging, stair climbing, dancing, or lifting weights for 2oe hours a week. One way to do this is to be active 30 minutes a day at least 5 days a week. Begin slowly especially if a person has not been active.6. Do not drink more than 2 alcohol drinks a day for a man or 1 alcohol drink a day for a woman. Alcohol use also increases the chance of falling and breaking a bone.
Alcohol can affect the neurons and brain cells.7. Stop or do not begin smoking. It also interferes with blood supply and healing. Chapter 1NarcolepsyNarcolepsy is a condition characterized by sleeping at inappropriate times with intense feeling of sleepiness which ironically results in normal number of hours of sleep. Narcolepsy is a disorder that causes periods of extreme daytime sleepiness. The disorder also may cause muscle weakness.
Most people who have narcolepsy have low levels of hypocretin. This is a chemical in the brain that helps promote wakefulness. Narcolepsy is usually caused by the following:1. There is a familial incidence of 60 times in a close family member.2. There is also a one in twenty possibility of inheriting lifelong syndromeIt is a rare condition with onset in adolescence or young adults. It is much more common in men than in women.
The danger of inappropriate sleepiness is that it may result in poor productivity, social isolation, confusion and depression. TABLE OF CONTENTIntroductionChapter 1 NarcolepsyChapter 2 Interesting Facts about NarcolepsyChapter 3 Treatment of NarcolepsyChapter 4 InsomniaChapte...