Chronic sleep disorder known as narcolepsy damages the neural system. It leads to irregular sleep patterns that might negatively affect daily functioning. Rare as it is, narcolepsy still exists. About 1 in 2,000 persons, according to assessments by experts.

Narcolepsy often manifests itself between the ages of 7 and 25, while it is frequently misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed at first. Mid-adolescence is a common onset age. People with narcolepsy have trouble sleeping at night and are extremely sleepy during the day. They also suffer from sleep attacks or sudden, intense cravings to nap.

Cataplexy is the sudden and transient loss of muscular control that occurs in various circumstances. In youngsters, this may be misunderstood as the onset of a seizure. Type 1 narcolepsy is the current name for this condition. The lack of cataplexy defines type 2 narcolepsy.

Classifications of Narcolepsy

Two distinct forms of narcolepsy exist:

• Type 1 is the most prevalent. Among its symptoms is cataplexy, or a sudden weakening of muscles. Due to low amounts of a protein called hypocretin in the brain, people with this narcolepsy have excessive tiredness and cataplexy throughout the day.
• Narcolepsy type 2 does not include cataplexy. Type 2 narcoleptics often have normal hypocretin levels.

Signs of Narcolepsy

In people with narcolepsy, the frequency and severity of their symptoms might vary widely. Here are some of the most often reported signs and symptoms.

Chronic Daytime Sleepiness

Excessive daytime drowsiness is a hallmark symptom of narcolepsy, characterized by an overpowering need to sleep that can strike at any time. Living with EDS makes day-to-day tasks challenging.

Cataplexy

Cataplexy is a transient and unexpected collapse of muscular tone. Partial cataplexy manifests itself in drooping eyelids and can progress to full-body collapse. Cataplexy can be triggered by laughter and strong emotions like excitement and terror. The frequency varies according to the individual.

An Imbalance In REM Sleep

During rapid eye movement sleep, muscular tone decreases and dreaming becomes more active and realistic. In most cases, it begins after sleeping for roughly 90 minutes. People with narcolepsy are not limited to their REM sleep window at night; it can occur at any time of day.

Sleep Paralysis

Paralysis during sleep can occur at any stage of the sleep cycle, from falling asleep to waking up. The average episode lasts little more than a minute or two. Paralysis in sleep occurs similarly to REM sleep paralysis. However, it does not interfere with blinking or breathing.

Why Does Narcolepsy Occur?

There is currently no recognized cure for narcolepsy. Nonetheless, the protein level in the brain, called hypocretin, is often lower in persons with type 1. The hormone hypocretin has a role in controlling your sleep and waking times. Researchers have speculated that various conditions may contribute to hypocretin deficiency.

Low hypocretin levels are linked to a gene mutation. It is thought that narcolepsy is partly caused by this genetic defect and an immune system that mistakenly assaults healthy cells. Stress, brain injury, toxic exposure, and infection are among more possibilities.

Potential Dangers

The following may be risk factors for narcolepsy:

Genealogy

You can be 40 times more likely to develop narcolepsy if a first-degree relative has the disorder. However, hereditary instances account for just a small fraction of the total.

Age

Narcolepsy diagnosis rates are highest at ages 15 and 36. On the other hand, narcolepsy is frequently misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all.

Brain Damage

Rarely, narcolepsy can develop when there is extensive damage to the regions of the brain responsible for maintaining awake and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. It has been suggested that brain tumours can trigger narcolepsy as well.

Negative Effects of Narcolepsy

Some of the problems that might arise from narcolepsy are:

• Narcoleptics frequently suffer from mood disorders, including sadness and anxiety, although it is unclear whether these conditions are direct manifestations of narcolepsy or indirect consequences of the disorder's symptoms.
• Your social life might be negatively impacted by tiredness and cataplexy. You could, for instance, have trouble remaining awake in social situations or experience a temporary loss of muscular control whenever you laugh too hard.

How Is Narcolepsy Identified?

Talk to your doctor if you have trouble staying awake during the day or if you have any of the other classic symptoms of narcolepsy. Most sleep problems are characterized by excessive daytime drowsiness. Your doctor will do a thorough physical examination and ask you questions about your health history.

They will be on the lookout for a history of rapid loss of muscular tone and significant daytime sleepiness. A nighttime sleep study, a daytime test, and even more assessments will be ordered by your doctor as they seek a definitive diagnosis.