Narcolepsy is a life-long disorder that’s currently incurable. However, the highly skilled therapists at Nurocoach can help you manage your symptoms. Nurocoach has an office in Houston, Texas, and access to a nationwide network of experienced providers via telehealth. They combine medications, lifestyle changes, and behavioral therapy to reduce the effect narcolepsy has on your life. Call Nurocoach today or request an appointment online for a comprehensive narcolepsy assessment.
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder where staying awake for long periods is difficult. It makes you feel very drowsy, and you may suddenly fall asleep during the day, seriously disrupting daily life.
People with narcolepsy sometimes experience cataplexy, where they suddenly lose muscle tone and may be unable to control their bodies. Strong emotions and laughter can trigger cataplexy. Most people who experience cataplexy have type 1 narcolepsy, while those who don’t suffer from cataplexy typically have type 2 narcolepsy.
Common narcolepsy symptoms include:
Daytime sleepiness might be your first narcolepsy symptom. You struggle to focus and stay alert, and after a while, you can fall asleep with no warning, anywhere, at any time; you could even be working or having a conversation and suddenly be asleep. This symptom is particularly dangerous because you could fall asleep while driving or operating machinery.
Some people continue with tasks during the brief period they’re asleep. Their brain operates on autopilot, so they carry on driving or typing and may even be unaware they are sleeping. However, it’s unlikely the tasks were completed well.
Sleep paralysis is when you can’t move or speak, usually when falling asleep or waking up. It typically only lasts a few seconds or minutes, but it can be frightening if you’re aware it’s happening.
Hallucinations occur when you see or hear things that aren’t there. When you have narcolepsy, these hallucinations may happen during sleep paralysis or at other times. Hallucinations are often vivid and scary because you’re essentially dreaming without being fully asleep.
People with narcolepsy sometimes have other sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, REM sleep behavior disorder, or insomnia.
There’s no cure for narcolepsy, but medicines, therapy, and lifestyle changes can help you manage your disorder. Your Nurocoach therapist can assist with lifestyle changes that improve your bedtime routine and behavioral therapy techniques. Drugs that can help with narcolepsy include:
It can also help to avoid over-the-counter medicines that can cause drowsiness, like cold remedies and prescription drugs whose side effects include drowsiness.
Call Nurocoach today or book a telehealth appointment online for expert help with your narcolepsy symptoms
