Narcolepsy - Sleep Paralysis And Not Breathing

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Narcolepsy is a devastating sleep disorder that manifests itself during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) or dream sleep. Individuals suffering from the condition will awaken abruptly from dream sleep several times a night, and thus generally never experience a full night of quality sleep.

It is estimated that over 200 000 individuals in the USA alone are currently suffering from the effects of narcolepsy. This is however merely a rough estimate due to the fact that narcolepsy as a neurological disease is often difficult to detect and therefore many sufferers may live with the condition for years on end before being correctly diagnosed. Recent research also suggests genetic predisposition almost certainly plays a role in the onset of narcolepsy.

Common symptoms of the condition include hallucinations, cataplexy, sleep paralysis and disproportionate sleeping during daylight hours. Other less common symptoms include nightmares, jerking during sleep and awakening repeatedly during the night. The most dangerous of these symptoms, and usually the first to appear is undoubtedly daytime sleeping. This may occur whilst the sufferer is performing an activity which requires complete concentration, such as driving or operating machinery.

Cataplexy involves the partial or total loss of muscular control during moments of psychological stress or excitement and may include the incapacity to blink or speak. The hallucinations that accompany narcolepsy are referred to as hypnagogic hallucinations. Theses are incredibly realistic and often very disturbing visions which occur during the early stages of sleep. Finally, sleep paralysis involves the inability to move or talk whilst falling asleep or awakening. Like hypnagogic hallucinations, sleep paralysis can also be extremely distressing for the individual experiencing the sensation, particularly if they are unaware as to what may be causing it.

Narcolepsy results due to a disturbance in the brain waves responsible for normal sleeping patterns. During a regular sleeping cycle, an individual will pass through several stages of sleep known as NREM sleep, before experiencing a state known as dream sleep or REM sleep. In comparison, those suffering from narcolepsy will enter REM sleep prior to any other stages of sleep. In addition, the specific physical and psychological characteristics which go hand in hand with REM sleep will be experienced during other phases of sleep, or whilst the sufferer is fully conscious. These include paralysis, loss of muscular response and hallucinogenic dream like states.

There is at present no cure for narcolepsy and for those suffering from the condition it will be a lifelong battle. With correct medical treatment and sufficient behavioural therapy however, symptoms can be significantly reduced. Stimulant drugs can be used to treat excessive sleeping, whilst antidepressants and amphetamines may be used to treat disturbed sleeping patterns and cataplexic attacks. Those suffering from the disorder will need to ensure that they stick to the correct doses of medication on a daily basis. In addition, they will need to try and avoid stressful circumstances as far as is possible and refrain from activities in which they may put their lives or the lives of others in jeopardy.

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