Symptoms of narcolepsy disorder: how do we know if we have this disorder?

About narcolepsy disorder Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks. Some sufferers experience sudden muscle weakness or cataplexy in addition to sudden sleep. So far, no definitive treatment has been found for this disease, but its symptoms can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. Stay with us until the end of this article so that we can fully examine the narcolepsy disorder together.

What is narcolepsy disorder? Narcolepsy is a type of sleep disorder that causes a person to experience severe drowsiness without control and fall asleep suddenly. This condition, which is difficult to resist, can disrupt daily life, work performance and social relationships. Although there are treatments to manage this disease, without proper intervention, it can pose many challenges. Under normal conditions, the brain controls the muscles to prevent involuntary movements and unconscious reactions, but in people with narcolepsy, sometimes sudden muscle weakness occurs, similar to the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep. In this condition, the person may not be able to move or speak for several minutes, while their mind remains alert. This muscle weakness is usually triggered by certain emotions such as laughter, excitement or even funny jokes, but in some more severe cases, emotions such as fear and anger can also cause such a reaction. In children and people who have just experienced the symptoms of this disease, this weakness may appear in the form of involuntary changes in facial expression, body contraction, or a sudden decrease in muscle strength for no apparent reason. Considering the effects of this disease on the quality of life, people who have narcolepsy disorder should consult a sleep disorder specialist as soon as possible and start the appropriate treatment process under the supervision of a doctor. Types of narcolepsy disorder Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that is classified into two main types. The difference between these two types is the presence or absence of cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness) in patients. In addition, there is a type of narcolepsy called secondary narcolepsy, which is caused by brain damage. In the following, we will examine these types: ### Narcolepsy disorder type 1 This type of narcolepsy is associated with cataplexy, a condition in which a person suddenly experiences muscle weakness due to strong emotions such as laughter or excitement. About 20% of people with narcolepsy have this type. ### Narcolepsy disorder type 2 In this type, there is no cataplexy, but the person still suffers from excessive daytime sleepiness. Type 2 narcolepsy is more common and accounts for approximately 80% of patients. ### Secondary narcolepsy disorder This type of narcolepsy disorder is caused by damage to a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which plays a role in regulating the sleep and wake cycle. Brain injuries, strokes, brain tumors or traumatic injuries (such as severe blows to the head) are among the causes of this type of narcolepsy. Normally, the brain suppresses muscle activity during deep sleep (REM) to prevent physical movements while dreaming. In people with cataplexy, this process occurs unexpectedly upon waking and causes sudden muscle weakness. Clinical symptoms of narcolepsy disorder People with narcolepsy disorder face a set of specific symptoms that affect their quality of life and daily activities. These symptoms include the following: 1. **Sudden sleep attacks:** A person may fall asleep involuntarily and in any situation, even while driving or talking. 2. **Excessive daily sleepiness:** Constant feeling of tiredness and short-term sleep attacks, which are sometimes accompanied by vivid and real imaginations (hallucinations of sleepiness). 3. **Sleep movement disorders:** Occurrence of abnormal behaviors such as talking in sleep, irregular body movements or constant change of sleep position. 4. Cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness): sudden loss of muscle control that usually occurs in response to strong emotions such as laughter or excitement. 5. Night sleep disorders: frequent awakenings during the night and difficulty in maintaining deep sleep, which leads to feeling tired the next day. 6. **Sleep Paralysis:** Experiencing a temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up, sometimes accompanied by visual or auditory hallucinations. If you see these symptoms, it is necessary to see a specialist for an accurate diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment. Consequences of narcolepsy disorder in people's performance People with narcolepsy disorder have difficulty in studying, driving, working and other activities. They should avoid jobs that put themselves or others at risk (eg operating machines or driving a bus, piloting). After narcolepsy is under control with treatment, patients can usually drive; However, they can rarely drive long distances alone. Untreated people are at risk of social isolation as they try to avoid cataplexy by controlling their emotions or from stimuli that cause excitement. (American Psychological Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5-TR, Dr. Mehdi Ganji, Tehran, Savalan) How are sleep attacks diagnosed? For accurate diagnosis of narcolepsy disorder or sleep attacks, careful medical history and physical examination are necessary. However, none of these symptoms are specific to narcolepsy, so doctors use specialized tests related to sleep disorders to confirm the diagnosis. Typically, the evaluation is done in a sleep lab and includes several standardized tests. The two main tests that play a key role in the diagnosis of narcolepsy are: **Polysomnography:** This test examines brain activity, eye movements, breathing and muscle function during night sleep to identify possible disorders. **Multiple Sleep Latency Test:** This test evaluates how sleepy a person is during the day and determines how quickly they enter REM sleep. The combination of these diagnostic methods helps doctors differentiate narcolepsy from other sleep disorders and determine the appropriate treatment plan. Psychological treatment of narcolepsy disorder The treatment of narcolepsy disorder is usually done in the form of a combination of psychological and pharmaceutical methods to minimize the symptoms of this disorder and improve the quality of life. ### Behavior therapy This method involves changes in lifestyle and sleep patterns. People with narcolepsy disorder can manage their sleep better by setting a regular sleep schedule, reducing daily naps and increasing physical activities. Also, modifying the diet and avoiding caffeine and stimulants before going to sleep can help improve the quality of sleep. ### Psychiatric drug treatment Certain medications are prescribed to control the symptoms of narcolepsy disorder, including: - Stimulants (stimulants of the central nervous system) that help reduce daily sleepiness. - Antidepressants that can reduce the severity of cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness). - Special hormone regulating drugs that balance the level of certain brain chemicals, including hydrocortisol, and control disease symptoms. By combining these methods and regularly visiting the specialists of Pirouzi Psychology Center, you can manage the symptoms of narcolepsy and experience a better life. conclusion Narcolepsy is a complex sleep disorder that has profound effects on a person's quality of life. Symptoms such as severe drowsiness, cataplexy, sleep hallucinations and other problems can disrupt the patient's daily life and require special treatment and care. Knowing the symptoms, causes and treatment options can help in managing this disorder. If you or someone you know is suffering from this problem, it is necessary to consult a sleep specialist so that the disease can be identified and appropriate treatment methods can be applied to control it. In order to accurately diagnose this disorder and start the treatment process, you can book an appointment for consultation with the experts of the Victory Center.

#### Working hours

#### Contact: 021-77431649

#### Latest content