Q: What is narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that diminishes the control of sleep. Sufferers typically experience excessive daytime sleepiness that interferes with daily life, uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep, and sleep paralysis. It can also lead to sudden muscle tone loss (weakness), frequent and vivid hallucinations, memory lapses, lack of focus, and depressed moods. It usually develops between the ages of 15 and 25.

Question 1

What is narcolepsy?

Accepted Answer

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that causes a person to suddenly fall asleep at random times, leading to interference with daily life, lack of energy, hallucinations and moodiness. It is a fairly rare condition, estimated to affect approximately 25,000 people in the UK. The medicine that is typically prescribed for narcolepsy is Modafinil.

To avoid the inconvenient and disruptive symptoms of narcolepsy, treat the disorder with our effective medications.

Question 2

What causes narcolepsy?

Accepted Answer

The exact cause of narcolepsy is unknown, but many cases are linked to a lack of hypocretin, a brain chemical that regulates wakefulness. This deficiency may be due to genetics or the immune system mistakenly attacking hypocretin-producing cells. Additionally, abnormalities in the parts of the brain controlling REM sleep cause sufferers to enter REM sleep almost immediately or during waking hours. Triggers for the condition can include hormonal changes, major psychological stress, or infections.

Question 3

How can I treat narcolepsy?

Accepted Answer

While there is no cure for narcolepsy, the symptoms can be effectively controlled. Debilitating daytime sleepiness is often treated with wakefulness-promoting medications like Modafinil. Treatment should also be combined with lifestyle adjustments, such as getting into a strict sleep routine with short daytime naps, exercising regularly, eating at regular times, and avoiding alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and heavy meals.

Question 4

What is Modafinil and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Modafinil, also sold under the brand name Provigil, is a prescription medication used to treat excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It is a eugeroic, meaning it is a wakefulness-promoting agent. Although it acts like a stimulant to keep you awake, it typically does not make you jittery, avoids the sudden 'crash' associated with classic stimulants, and generally has very few side effects.

Narcolepsy

More Information

What is narcolepsy?

What causes narcolepsy?

How can I treat narcolepsy? (Modafinil)

What is Modafinil?

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Rachael Clarke