Narcolepsy
Description
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks. It is caused by low levels of hypocretin (a brain chemical that controls wakefulness and REM sleep), often due to an autoimmune response. Symptoms include: Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) – Persistent fatigue and sudden sleep episodes, Cataplexy – Sudden loss of muscle control triggered by emotions like laughter or surprise, Sleep paralysis – Temporary inability to move or speak when falling asleep or waking up, and Hallucinations – Vivid dreams that occur while falling asleep or waking up. Diagnosis involves sleep studies (polysomnography), multiple sleep latency tests (MSLT), and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Treatment includes stimulant medications (modafinil, amphetamines) to reduce sleepiness, antidepressants for cataplexy, and lifestyle changes (scheduled naps, avoiding alcohol, and good sleep hygiene).