Have you ever been so sleepy that you fell asleep while doing something? Maybe you were working, cooking, or riding a bus, only to find yourself drifting off to sleep. This isn’t an uncommon phenomenon, especially if you tire yourself out too much. However, if you keep falling asleep in the daytime without being able to control yourself, it might be a sign of narcolepsy. But what is it that triggers this reaction? Can narcolepsy be developed, or is it a genetic condition? In this blog, you will find all the answers you’re looking for and more, so let’s take a look.
What is Narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a serious sleep disorder where the person cannot stay awake during the day. The urge to sleep is so strong that they end up dozing off, regardless of where they are or what they are doing. People with narcolepsy have trouble staying awake for long periods of time.
It is important to seek treatment for narcolepsy as it can lead to serious disruptions in your day-to-day activities, along with severely weakening your muscles.
Can Narcolepsy Be Developed?
Surprisingly, yes. Narcolepsy can be developed out of the blue at any age. However, there are certain ages where this disorder is the most prominent, such as during the teenage years and middle age.
Typically, narcolepsy occurs as a result of low hypocretin, the chemical responsible for keeping you awake. Thus, when your body runs out of hypocretin, it can attack the cells in charge of producing it, leading to an imbalance in your sleep schedule.
Symptoms of Narcolepsy
You can identify narcolepsy by the following signs:
- Sudden weakness in the muscles.
- Constantly waking up with sleep paralysis.
- Drifting to REM sleep faster than normal.
- Hallucinating during the day before falling asleep.
- Excessive daytime sleepiness.
Treatment
Narcolepsy is a disorder that may be treatable, but it can not be fully cured. Sleep therapists typically prescribe medications to limit the severity of the constant sleep episodes. You can also try making basic lifestyle changes to your daily activities to see a notable difference.
By being consistent with your sleep habits and setting a specific time to nap, you may be able to curb the urge to fall asleep anywhere, at any place and time. Moreover, incorporating physical activity into your routine can be a big help, as it will prevent your body from feeling tired all the time.
You should also make it a habit to schedule regular appointments with your physician. This way, no matter how serious the sleep disorder may be, you won’t have to worry about it worsening. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco is also a wonderful way to ensure your body runs on healthy energy.
In Summary
All in all, narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that can be developed as a result of a sedentary lifestyle. Take precautions to keep the effects at bay. Exercise, time your naps, and engage in activities that boost your adrenaline. For more information on narcolepsy, feel free to contact Nirvana Elite Sleep & Wellness at 832-952-1199. You can also drop by and visit us at 303 Longmire Rd Suite # 102, Conroe, TX 77304, United States, to make an in-person appointment.