Narcolepsy is a common sleep disorder that affects thousands of people. The traits of narcolepsy can develop at any age, but scientists described that the symptoms often develop between the age of 7 and 25. After the traits take place, excessive feelings of sleepiness can affect a person’s capability at completing basic activities, impacting their personal and professional life.
As narcolepsy symptoms are common to numerous medical conditions, this fact made sure that the primary causes of narcolepsy stay a mystery to doctors and physicians. The effects of narcolepsy Glendale can prove life-long. Knowing the symptoms thoroughly is an essential step to diagnose this disease accurately. The 4 core narcolepsy symptoms include:
- Excessive Sleep During Daytime: People who suffer from narcolepsy can fall asleep suddenly. For instance, you might be in between a conversation with your friends and you fell asleep suddenly. You can also fall asleep while driving a car, which would prove extremely dangerous. You can also sense less focus on your work during the daytime. Excess sleepiness during the daytime is a common narcolepsy symptom.
- Loss of Muscle Tone: This is another symptom of narcolepsy that would affect your everyday life. When you start losing muscle tone suddenly, this situation will be known as cataplexy. You will face complete weakness in certain muscle parts. The symptoms may last for a few minutes. Keep in mind that no medication will prove effective at controlling the cataplexy as intense emotions are the primary causes behind the trigger. Too much excitement or laughter can also cause it.
- Sleep Paralysis: Sleep paralysis is the loss of muscle control while falling asleep or waking up. A person will stay in their conscious mind during sleep paralysis, but cannot speak or move. Sleep paralysis can last for a few minutes. The person can regain mobility after it’s gone. Over 23% of people with narcolepsy suffer from sleep paralysis.
- Hallucinations: Doctors also highlight Hallucinations as a symptom of narcolepsy. Sometimes people will see things in their sleep that aren’t there. Hallucinations can also take place even when you’re not sleeping. You can also experience hypnotic hallucinations.
The exact causes of narcolepsy are still unknown to the doctors. Scientists are conducting research and it’s believed that they can come to probable results within a few years. Many reports pinpointed genetics as the root cause. Making some lifestyle and dietary changes can help you manage narcolepsy symptoms.