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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThere are two\nforms of narcolepsy: Type 1 narcolepsy is when sudden attacks of sleep are\naccompanied by a loss of muscle tone. Type\n2 narcolepsy occurs with no loss in muscle tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to sudden attacks of\nsleep, some of the signs and symptoms of narcolepsy include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Decreased alertness and focus – Excessive daytime sleepiness makes it\ndifficult for individuals to concentrate and fully function.<\/li>
- Sudden loss of muscle tone – This condition, called cataplexy\ncan cause a number of physical changes, from slurred speech to complete\nweakness of most muscles, and may last up to a few minutes.<\/li>
- Sleep paralysis – People with narcolepsy often experience a temporary inability to\nmove or speak while falling asleep or upon waking. These episodes are usually\nbrief, lasting a few seconds or minutes. <\/li>
- Hallucinations – Hallucinations may occur while sleeping or while awake. These\nhallucinations may be particularly vivid and frightening because the person\nexperiencing them may believe they are reality. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Narcolepsy symptoms typically\nbegin anywhere between ten and thirty years of age. Symptoms may worsen for the\nfirst few years and then continue for life. People with narcolepsy may also have\nother sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome and\neven insomnia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the exact cause of\nnarcolepsy is unknown, research has revealed that people with type 1 narcolepsy\nhave low levels of the chemical hypocretin, which is an important neurochemical\nin your brain that helps regulate wakefulness and REM sleep. Those with a\nfamily history of narcolepsy have a greater risk of developing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unfortunately, there is no cure for narcolepsy however\nmedications and lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms. It is recommended that you see a doctor if you\nexperience excessive daytime sleepiness that disrupts your personal life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jamaica Hospital\u2019s Sleep Center<\/a> treats individuals with a wide variety of sleep disorders. Please call 718-206-5916 to schedule an appointment.<\/p>\n
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.<\/strong> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep. People with narcolepsy fall asleep without warning, anywhere, anytime. When they awaken, they may feel refreshed, but eventually get sleepy again. Narcolepsy can drastically … Continue reading