Understanding Narcolepsy - Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
This article will provide you with the information you need to learn about this sleep disorder, you might be the sufferer or know someone who is suffering from it - what ever the case, the information contained here will be very useful to you and will enable you to take certain precautions towards curbing the intensity of the disorder.
Narcolepsy is a misunderstood type of sleeping disorder mainly because its symptoms can easily be misdiagnosed. In essence Narcolepsy is a type of sleeping disorder whereby the narcoleptic gets sleep attacks during the day - often called excessive daytime sleepiness disorder (EDS).
Here is what happens, the narcoleptic or person suffering from narcolepsy will feel helplessly sleepy during the day and might fall asleep right there and then. This is basically a neurological based condition, which affects wakefulness and sleepiness of the body.
One common effect associated with this disorder is what is know as cataplexy. This is a situation whereby the person loses muscle control that leads to the person falling to the ground. The effects of narcolepsy affects different individual with varying severity.
Research is still on going in order to fully understand this rare sleeping disoirder. With that said, there are a few known facts. For example, it is possible to live with narcolepsy i.e. it is not a deadly disorder per se but it can be dentrimental in some instances. Say the sufferer is holidng or child or driving, if the attack comes within that time the incident can be tragic. It can also impair performance at school for scholars and work performance for workers.
Although it is advisable to see a narcolepsy doctor for diagnosis, the following behavioral therapy can be practiced by the sufferer.
Avoiding drugs that can affect sleep. This includes any form of drug.
Take Short naps during the day: Taking short scheduled naps during the day can do wonders for some narcoleptics as it may help control sleepiness. These naps can last between 30 to 30 minutes.
Developing a healthy diet and stick to it. Avoid eating two to three hours before you go to bed.
Keep your bedroom or sleep area quiet, comfortable, and free of light and distractions, such as a TV or computer.
Do not eat before bedtime. Do not drink coffee or eat some chocolate, some teas and even soft drinks.
Also avoid alcohol and tobacco at all times especially before bedtime
There is more I can share about narcolepsy but this page is not long enough to accommodate everything. Take some time to visit some organizations that can help people who are suffering from narcolepsy or cataplexy. Most of these have websites but if you can not find them, I can guarantee you that there are a number of other great independent sites that you can visit to gain more knowledge and be in control.
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Tags: Health
