Welcome to Sleep Disorder
Sleep Problem Article
. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for further reading, click here.
Narcolepsy - The Management of a Common Sleep Disorder
from: Donald SaundersNarcolepsy, a chronic and commonly diagnosed sleep disorder, affects over a quarter of a million Americans each year (approximately one person in every two thousand). Characterized by the body's inability to properly regulate sleep, narcolepsy's most obvious symptoms can include cataplexy (involuntary loss of muscle control), "automatic" behaviors (performing regular, mundane tasks by rote), hallucinations and paralysis during sleep.
However, narcolepsy is most commonly associated with the onset of "mini sleeps" or "sleep attacks" during the day. These narcoleptic episodes (often referred to as EDS or excessive daytime sleepiness) occur when the individual is suddenly overcome by the urge to sleep. The resulting state of narcolepsis can pass within a few seconds or it can last for more than half an hour.
Relatively recent medical research identifies narcolepsy as a genetically based sleep regulation disorder that usually emerges during the middle and late teenage years. However, strong evidence also suggests that some forms of the condition can be caused by head trauma or brain injury. Regardless of the cause, because the characteristics of narcolepsy can also be symptomatic of other, similar sleep disorders, a thorough medical evaluation (often including a variety of overnight sleep tests) is required for a correct diagnosis.
Although scientists continue to close in on the genes connected with the onset of narcolepsy, treatments for narcoleptics still vary widely. Common treatments include the use of approved prescription drugs, such as modafinil and selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors like fluoxitine and sertroline, to treat the excessive daytime sleepiness.
In large part however the management of narcolepsy depends upon what appears most effective for the individual, and because no cure exists at this time, the available treatments primarily address the sleep disorder's symptoms.
For most narcoleptics a combination of prescription medications, natural sleep remedies and behavioral strategies prove the best means of effectively managing their narcolepsy. This pro-active approach to dealing with the condition involves simple lifestyle adjustments to enhance the quality and duration of each night's sleep (including dietary changes and the use of regular exercise) as well as actively managed sleep cycles that incorporate short, scheduled naps. A variety of natural sleep remedies can also successfully help narcoleptics manage their condition.
Herbal teas and infusions can effectively help to induce and enhance the body's natural sleep cycle and offer a healthful alternative to sleeping pills. Supplementary melatonin (the hormone produced as part of the body's natural sleep cycle) may also help narcoleptics enjoy a better night's sleep. Guided meditation and relaxation, chromatherapy and aromatherapy can also prove valuable natural enhancements to the successful management of narcolepsy.
Copyright © 2005 Donald Saunders Help Me To Sleep Affiliates
About the Author
Donald Saunders is the author of a number of health related publications including:
"Help Me To Sleep - A Guide To Natural Sleep Remedies", "Jet Lag - An Alternative Approach", "Shift Work Insomnia" and "The Art of Meditation - A Guide To Meditation, Breathing and Relaxation Techniques"
For further details please visit Narcolepsy
Sleep Problem News
Sleep problems may raise prostate cancer risk - Press TV
 Press TV | Sleep problems may raise prostate cancer risk Press TV Dr. Lara G. Sigurdardottir and colleagues of the University of Reykjavik, Iceland have found that older men with the most severe sleep problems are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer. The study which involved 2102 men also showed that the risk ... |
Dealing with children's sleep problems - WDIV Detroit
 PR Web (press release) | Dealing with children's sleep problems WDIV Detroit According to the National Sleep Foundation, up to 70 percent of children under 10 years old experience sleep problems at some point. Experts say the key is dealing with those problems before they persist and creep into other areas of life. Baby Sleep Problems Lead to Weight Gain, Postpartum Depression, Lack of ... |
Sleep Troubles May Up Prostate Cancer Risk - MedPage Today
Sleep Troubles May Up Prostate Cancer Risk MedPage Today This study found that severe sleep problems suggestive of insomnia are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer among older men. Note that the study did not address whether treating these men's sleep problems would reduce their prostate ... |
Pekin infant deaths spotlight sleeping dangers - Peoria Journal Star
Pekin infant deaths spotlight sleeping dangers Peoria Journal Star “We'll possibly address the problem of (some parents) not being able to afford cribs,” Powell added. The dangers of infants left to sleep on their stomachs were made sadly evident Tuesday in coroner inquests on the recent deaths of two babies in Pekin. |
A Morning Without Coffee Is Like Sleep - Patch.com
A Morning Without Coffee Is Like Sleep Patch.com Why do I have so much trouble attaining even the slightest semblance of consciousness every morning? I get enough sleep. That's not the problem. So what is it? It's not my job. I love my boss [me]! I feel groggy, as if I hadn't slept a wink. |
Health Watch: Robotic Sleep Apnea Surgery - CBS Local
 CBS Local | Health Watch: Robotic Sleep Apnea Surgery CBS Local By Stephanie Stahl PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Robots to the rescue for the millions of people who suffer with a common sleep problem. It's estimated 10 to 12 million Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, that's when the airway is blocked during ... Robotic surgery improves sleep apnea |
Sleep Apnea Linked to Silent Strokes - WebMD
 Los Angeles Times | Sleep Apnea Linked to Silent Strokes WebMD "I think what we can say is that breathing problems are more common in stroke patients than suspected," he tells WebMD. "But is abnormal breathing during sleep a long-term problem in these patients? Or will it go away? And is abnormal breathing a risk ... Sleep Apnea Common in Stroke |