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Narcolepsy - Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Individuals with narcolepsy often experience disturbed sleep at night and in many cases find they fall asleep at various times. The main symptom of narcolepsy is daytime sleepiness even if the person received enough sleep the night before. A person may fall asleep at any time of the day or night and even during activities. Other problems that are associated with narcolepsy include cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations, sleep paralysis, and automatic behavior. Cataplexy symptoms include slight weakness at the knees or neck, limp facial muscles, and the loss of muscle function. Along with this, they may also have sudden emotional episodes such as fear, laughter, etc… Hypnagogic hallucinations are strong nightmares that occur during dozing or even while awake. Sleep paralysis is seen when the person while awake cannot move or talk for a few seconds up to a few minutes. Automatic behavior is when the person carries on their regular routine while asleep; however, when they awaken they do not remember anything they accomplished.
Not much is known about narcolepsy but in most cases, it begins during teenage years or in young adults. There is no cure at this time, but there are a few things that can be done to help. Medications are usually the end result; however, a few lifestyle changes have helped tremendously with the first one being creating a sleep environment.
A sleep environment is one that is designed for sleeping instead of a room full of distractions. Things such as radios, stereos, televisions, computers and even bright lights are not seen in the environment designed for sleeping. The room should be dark, cool, and all disruptions removed the room. A few items can replace the TV’s such as a table top water fountain or a white noise machine that also emits sounds of waterfalls, rain, or surf. The idea is to create a room that will help the individual sleep throughout the night. Remember, medical help is the first choice.
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