1/4/2024 0 Comments Symptoms of narcolepsy type 1![]() ![]() CataplexyĬataplexy, or the sudden loss of muscle tone or muscle weakness in a wakeful state, is another symptom of narcolepsy, but it is limited to NT1. Sleep attacks typically last from a few minutes to a few seconds, and the sleeper often wakes up refreshed. Sleep attacks have been known to occur mid-conversation, during a meal or meeting, and as alarming as it sounds, they’ve even been known to happen while driving. Attacks are quite sudden and tend to occur at inappropriate times. Sleep attacks are episodes where a person with narcolepsy falls into a deep sleep. While people with narcolepsy may wake up feeling well-rested, they’re likely to battle an irresistible urge to sleep throughout the day, which frequently leads to sleep attacks. ( 6) And just as it sounds, it’s a profound feeling of sleepiness. Excessive and Persistent Daytime SleepinessĮxcessive daytime sleepiness is by far the most recognizable (and probably the most problematic) symptom of narcolepsy. ( 6) And while he tells us that excessive daytime sleepiness is a universal symptom, he notes that not all patients experience all symptoms. “Excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep attacks (falling asleep randomly), parasomnias like sleep paralysis and hallucinations, and fragmented sleep are all common symptoms,” says Wu. And while they may not resolve completely, those diagnosed with the disorder may take heart in the fact that they don’t worsen over time. The symptoms of narcolepsy persist throughout a lifetime. While Wu says that the exact cause of narcolepsy isn’t fully understood, he notes that its “causes may involve genetic factors, an autoimmune reaction that affects hypocretin/orexin-producing neurons (type 1 may arise from a lack of orexin in the brain), brain trauma, and certain environmental triggers (such as stress, hormonal changes, and infections).”( 1) Narcolepsy Symptoms It’s not uncommon for narcolepsy to be mistaken for ADHD or other psychiatric or emotional disorders.” What Causes Narcolepsy? ( 5) “Symptoms in children may be similar to adults but can also include behavioral and learning problems. “Narcolepsy can begin in childhood, but it’s often underdiagnosed,” says Wu. Narcolepsy affects men and women equally. ![]() ![]() It’s important to note that these numbers are estimates, as narcolepsy is notoriously under-reported or undiagnosed. ( 4) Worldwide, researchers estimate that narcolepsy affects about 1.21 percent of the population. Narcolepsy is a relatively rare but chronic condition affecting about 1 in every 2,000 Americans. Individuals with type 2 narcolepsy (NT2) experience similar episodes of extreme sleepiness however, there is no cataplexy, and their hypocretin levels are typically within normal ranges. On top of excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy, individuals with type 1 narcolepsy are also deficient in hypocretin - a neuropeptide (brain chemical) that plays a key role in maintaining wakefulness. Individuals with type 1 narcolepsy (NT1) experience episodes of extreme sleepiness along with cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness). Type 2 narcolepsy is also known as narcolepsy without cataplexy,” says Wu, adding, “Type 2 narcolepsy is much more common.” ( 1) Type 1 Narcolepsy (NT1) “Type 1 is also known as narcolepsy with cataplexy (temporary, sudden muscle weakness that might have you slurring your words or collapsing). Wu adds that it’s impossible to control one’s overwhelming sleepiness, so the condition can be debilitating and have a significant impact on daily life. Narcolepsy isn’t contagious or harmful to your health, but falling asleep can be dangerous in some circumstances, such as while driving. ( 1) Symptoms of narcolepsy often begin in childhood or young adulthood, but most people are diagnosed somewhere between the ages of 20 and 40. It’s a chronic neurological disorder that disrupts the brain’s ability to control your sleep-wake cycles. Narcolepsy is far more than just being tired or having the assumed ability to fall asleep quickly. Chester Wu, a double board-certified doctor in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, tells Sleepopolis, “Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy (muscle weakness), and disrupted nighttime sleep.” The sleep disorder is treatable with medication and improved sleep hygiene.ĭr.Doctors typically rely on sleep studies and multiple sleep latency tests to make an accurate narcolepsy diagnosis.Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder with symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness, muscle weakness, and fragmented sleep. ![]()
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