Natural Pedia Com

Narcolepsy – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Thursday, May 17, 2018 by

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that interrupts the normal sleep-wake cycle. It is a long-term neurological condition in which a person goes through uncontrollable sleepiness, falling asleep, or napping. This excessive sleepiness usually occurs on a daily basis.

It needs to occur at least three times a week for at least three months for it to be diagnosed as narcolepsy.

This condition affects about one in 2,000 people in the U.S., according to the Narcolepsy Network. Narcolepsy usually first develops in children and young adults and rarely makes a first appearance in the elderly. The severity of symptoms may change over time, but it is a chronic, lifelong condition once symptoms emerge.

One of the causes of narcolepsy is a genetic mutation. The narcolepsy gene enables cells in the hypothalamus to receive messages from other cells. As a result of the mutation, the cells cannot communicate properly, and abnormal sleeping patterns develop. Narcolepsy may also be caused by some kind of autoimmune disorder. Narcolepsy sometimes runs in families, but most people with the condition have no relatives with the disorder.

Known side effects of narcolepsy

The known side effects of narcolepsy include the following:

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Cataplexy
  • Hypnagogic hallucinations
  • Sleep paralysis
  • Disturbed nocturnal sleep
  • Automatic behavior
  • Other complaints such as blurred vision, double vision, or droopy eyelids

Narcolepsy can also lead to complications such as the following:

  • Being misunderstood as “being rude” when one falls asleep during meetings and conferences
  • Vulnerability to accidents while driving, which are known to be fatal
  • Being labeled “lazy”
  • Poor performance at school or workplace
  • Withdrawal from emotional interactions for fear of loss of muscle control
  • Anxiety and depression

Body systems harmed by narcolepsy

The body system harmed by narcolepsy is the nervous system as it is a neurological condition.

List of foods or nutrients that prevent narcolepsy

There is no information on what foods or nutrients prevent narcolepsy. However, there are foods that can help alleviate the symptoms of the condition. These include fresh fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, skim milk, lean sources of protein, and whole grains.

Treatments, management plans for narcolepsy

Natural treatments for narcolepsy include Gotu kola, county mallow, gingko biloba, St. John’s Wort, naturopathy, and dietary supplements.

Where to learn more

Summary

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that interrupts the normal sleep-wake cycle.

Narcolepsy causes excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations, sleep paralysis, disturbed nocturnal sleep, automatic behavior, and other complaints such as blurred vision, double vision, or droopy eyelids.

Narcolepsy harms the nervous system as it is a neurological condition.

Narcolepsy can be treated with gotu kola, county mallow, gingko biloba, St. John’s Wort, naturopathy, and dietary supplements.

Sources include:

PsychologyToday.com

MindDisorders.com

MedicineNet.com

DoveMed.com

DietHealthClub.com

FindHomeRemedy.com



Comments

comments powered by Disqus