Narcolepsy is a mystery for many reasons but recently scientists have uncovered animal research data that may indicate that molecular brain malfunctions may have a role in the development of narcolepsy.

200,000 Americans are affected by Narcolepsy, a brain/sleep disorder that is characterized by uncontrollable, and overwhelming desire to sleep at inappropriate times during the day. These uncontrollable attacks occur at any time, even while the person is talking with someone.

Individuals who have narcolepsy can also experience vivid and scary dreams and a temporary paralysis just before falling asleep or just before awakening. They may also experience sudden muscle weakness, and laughing fits associated with experiences of strong emotion that may also set-off other problems such as a slackening of the jaw or a complete body collapse.

The new studies may link special chemicals to narcolepsy. These new studies may show new insights into the disorder, as well as new treatments.

Narcolepsy is a commonly under diagnosed condition. Narcolepsy affects males and females, and every ethnic group and race. There doesn’t seem to be any heredity involved in who gets narcolepsy.

Symptoms of Narcolepsy:

Excessive daytime sleepiness

A sudden loss of muscle tone that leads to weakness and loss of voluntary muscle control

Sleep paralysis

Hallucinations

Symptoms usually appear between the ages of 10 and 25. It can first appear at any age with many individuals first notice symptoms between age 35 and age 45. Sometimes it manifests in children and will go unnoticed. The symptoms typically worsen after the first two to three decades of having the disorder. Children and teens with narcolepsy can develop problems with psychological, social or cognitive development because of the disorder, which can interfere with their ability to succeed at school. The symptoms of narcolepsy can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and can lead also to poor academic performance in school that may carry-over into their adulthood.

There are rare incidences that have been reported of individuals being diagnosed with narcolepsy after experiencing traumatic injuries to the brain, or from the growth of a tumor. Other factors that may contribute to the occurrence of narcolepsy may be infections, exposure to toxins, dietary factors, stress, and hormonal changes during puberty or menopause.

It is imperative to have a complete clinical examination and medical history in order to have an accurate diagnosis. The diagnosis is important first step in the process of designing a proper treatment plan.

Treatments:

There is no cure for narcolepsy but doctors have been prescribing stimulants-amphetamines such as methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine, and pemoline in order to reduce the incidence of sleep episodes. These medications can reduce daytime drowsiness and also improve the individual’s level of alertness. They can however leave some side effects including irritability, nervousness, the shakes, and disturbances in heart rhythm. They may also experience stomach upset, disturbance in sleep, and also anorexia. Under long-term usage individuals may develop tolerance for the drugs, leading to a need for increased dosage in order to maintain the same level of effectiveness. It is also possible for abuse due to the nature of amphetamines. In 1999 a drug was approved by the FDA and is a non-amphetamine drug called modafinil. This drug does have the side effect of headaches but the good thing is that this particular drug does not lead to drug tolerance.

In 2002, the FDA approved sodium oxybate or gamma hydroxybutyrate, also known as GHB (Xyrem). This drug has safety issues and is strictly restricted.