Individuals who must cope with the neurological sleep disorder called Narcolepsy, have to deal with a variety of symptoms, some of which are more profound then others.  There are four common symptoms narcoleptics deal with on a daily basis: [1]Extreme Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) includes daytime sleep attacks, which may occur with or without warning (and for many are irresistible); presistent drowsiness, which may continue for prolonged periods of time; and "microsleeps", or fleeting moments of sleep intruding into the waking state.  [2] Cataplexy (the other well noticible symptom of narcolepsy) is a sudden loss of voluntary muscle control, usually triggered by emotions such as laughter, surprise, fear or anger.  It occurs more frequently during times of stress or fatigue.  the cataplectic attack may involve only a slight feeling of weakness and limp muscles (such as sagging facial muscles, a nodding head, buckling knees, loss of arm strength, 'garbled' speech); but it may also result in immediate total body collapse, during which the person may appear unconcious, but remains awake and alert.  These attacks may last from a few seconds up to 30 minutes.

The two other symptoms are [3] hypnagogic hallucinations- vivid, realistic, often frightening dreams; and [4] sleep paralysis, or a temporary inability to move.  Either one of these can occur during the process of going to sleep or waking up, while the brain is partially asleep and partially awake.

There are also secondary or auxillary symptoms that may appear: [1] Automatic behavior, the performance of a routine task, without concious awareness of doing it, and often without later memory of it;
[2] Disrupted nighttime sleep, involving multiple arousals.
Other difficulties may be caused by theprimary symptoms, appear as side effects of medication, or result from one's continuing struggle to cope.  Feelings of intense fatigue and continual lack of energy are often reported, and depression is also common.  The ability to concentrate and memorize may become more difficult.  Vision (focusing) problems, eating 'binges', weak limbs, and difficulties in handling alcohol may also occur.

Any other symptoms, or issues that my visitors may have please feel free to share with us.

Best Regards In Health,

Living Narcoleptic

 

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