Is Narcolepsy A Dangerous Sleep Disorder?

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that occurs in approximately 1 in 4,000 persons in the United States. People with narcolepsy faces a lifelong nervous system disorder that causes abnormal sleep and can affect a person’s quality of life. It’s a persistent condition that can cause not only extreme drowsiness but brief sleep paralysis, muscle weakness, hallucinations, insomnia, and other sleep disorders. These symptoms aren’t just frustrating—they’re dangerous as they can lead to accidents, injuries, or life-threatening situations.

Narcolepsy is believed to be due to an autoimmune process where the body’s immune system kills a small population of neurons within the hypothalamus of the brain. Unfortunately, the destruction of these cells is typically complete and the damage cannot presently be reversed.  These neurons, or nerve cells, contain a neurotransmitter called hypocretin that helps control wakefulness and REM sleep. People with low or absent hypocretin levels are classified as having Narcoleps.

Narcolepsy is not dangerous in itself, but it usually comes with Cataplexy which is a sudden loss of muscle control. This may be just a slight feeling of weakness, such as sagging facial muscles. The head might drop forward or worse, buckling of the knees resulting in total collapse of the person. In severe cases, the patient can become sleep paralyzed, lasting for a few seconds to several minutes. During this time, the patient may seem to be unconscious, but can be fully awake and temporarily unable to move. This can be a frightening situation to be in.

Narcoleptics may also have hallucinations that seem real and happen when falling asleep or waking up. Imagine having a dream so vivid it feels like it’s really happening. Narcoleptics are to such dreams and may have trouble waking up. Sleep paralysis often accompanies these vivid dreams. They experience hearing sounds or unwanted visions while drifting to sleep. They may also have additional sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, that also interfere with their ability to get a good night's rest. This lack of quality sleep is a likely contributor to their daytime drowsiness.

What to do? Narcolepsy is a chronic condition that requires continuous treatment. It can be life threatening if not treated by medication to stay awake for activities like driving, using machinery etc. There are multiple treatments that may be effective in treating the symptoms associated with narcolepsy. Most of the severe symptoms of narcolepsy are treated with medications. Though difficulties often persist, some people are able to make adjustments with the use of medications to preserve many daily functions. Avoiding nicotine, alcohol and caffeine can also help you minimize the symptoms of narcolepsy.

 Do you think you have Narcolepsy? Schedule an appointment with a sleep medicine specialist at Sleep Med Center, Chicago today!