Narcolepsy – Sleep on Time to Lead a Healthy Life

Overview

If your regular work life is interrupted with the oversleeping habit at the daytime. If you fear driving your car because you never know when you fall asleep. Then, without waiting for these signs to get worse, consult your doctor. Because you might be affected by the disease called Narcolepsy. In this article, let us take you through the details of this sleep disorder.

WHAT IS NARCOLEPSY?

It is a sleep disorder which is characterized by an excessive feeling of daytime sleeping, hallucinations, sleep paralysis and in some cases, partial or total loss of muscle known as cataplexy. People feel sleepy at the wrong time, especially during the daytime.

FACTS & FIGURES OF NARCOLEPSY

It has affected 1 out of 2000 people worldwide. It is seen usually between the ages of 15 and 25. As per the research, approximately 135,000 to 200,000 people in the United States are affected by this disease.

CAUSES OF NARCOLEPSY

It is a neurological disorder. It has influenced our wakefulness and sleep. In our normal sleep cycle, we enter the first stage of sleep, then it is followed by the second stage and then after about 90 minutes, Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep. But, when someone is suffering from this disease, REM occurs immediately after we start sleeping.

Major causes of this disorder are:

• Autoimmune disorders
• Brain injuries
• Family history

SYMPTOMS OF NARCOLEPSY

Signs of this disease include:

Excessive Daytime Sleeping: In this condition, people do have sufficient night sleep; but, they feel sleepy, tired, lack of concentration and energy at daytime.

Sleep Paralysis: In this condition, people become unable to move temporarily while waking up or falling asleep.

Cataplexy: In this condition, the voluntary loss of muscle control takes place. It leads to weakness and aggravated by strong emotions such as anger, laughter, or surprise.

WHO ARE AT HIGHER RISK OF NARCOLEPSY?

This problem has affected both men and women.

COMPLICATIONS RELATED TO NARCOLEPSY

Further risks involved with this disease are:

• Sudden accident due to untimely sleeping habit may take place.
• This disease increases the chances of obesity in a patient.
• People’s personal life might get harmed due to it as it can lower the sex drive of a person.
• You might behavioral changes due to lack of energy and laziness. In a way, it might harm your social and emotional life.

HOW TO PREVENT NARCOLEPSY?

As such, this disease cannot be prevented. However, it might be stopped by taking certain things, such as:

• Get one perfect routine for regular exercise
• Avoid driving a car while feeling drowsy or sleepy
• Avoid sedentary lifestyle and stay active all the time
• Stop smoking as it can stimulate the nervous system

HOW TO IDENTIFY THE NARCOLEPSY

This sleep disorder is usually undiagnosed. However, doctors will go for a physical exam and check the medical history.

NATURAL TREATMENT FOR NARCOLEPSY

You can go for a natural treatment, which is completely harmless and treat your problem more efficiently than any traditional treatment.

Home Remedy

You can follow certain home remedies to treat it.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba helps to activate the nervous system as it can protect the cells with its antioxidant effect. In a way, it improves the circulation in the brain. Thus, it helps to improve the condition in this neurological disorder.

Country Mallow

This ayurvedic herb also helps to improve the condition in this sleeping disorder.

St. John’s Wort

This herb helps to treat this sleep disorder in a natural way as it acts to stimulate the nervous system.

Diet Tips

Different diet tips are helpful in treating this disease:

Lifestyle Tips

Managing this sleep disorder by changing the lifestyle will be the best solution.

• Stop taking stress from little things in life.
• Take at least 20 minutes’ walk every single day.
• Practice yoga or tai chi, which can help reduce this problem.
• Avoid exercise two to three hours before going to bed.
• Avoid using electronic gadgets before your bedtime.
• Follow a proper sleep routine every day.

Suggested Exercise/ Yoga

Few mind-relaxing yoga and meditation are helpful in easing out the symptoms of this sleep disorder. Tai chi also helps to reduce the signs of this health issue. It is imperative to practice regular exercises to get a better sleep and reduce this health condition.
In short, if you were not aware of the habit of untimely sleep or excessive day sleep; this article might have cleared all the doubt about it. So, follow these steps religiously and treat this disorder to sleep well.

You can also read: 7 Scientifically Proven Sure-shot Ways to Lose Weight within a Month