Narcolepsy is a rare sleep disorder. Generally, the inability of the human brain to regulate sleep patterns causes it. Though it is not commonly much-known to people. So, here are some lesser-known and surprising facts about narcolepsy.
ABSENCE OF AWARENESS:
Since this disease is complex as compared to the other ones, it is difficult to diagnose it. Plus, due to being rare, many people are unaware of what it is.
BRAIN- CAUSE BEHIND NARCOLEPSY:
Yes! You read it right! The brain is the primary cause of narcolepsy. Wondering why? Well, hypocretin is a chemical that our brain produces. This chemical induces sleep. Hence, when the human brain is unable to make this chemical, the narcolepsy symptoms jump in.
AMBIGUOUS SYMPTOMS:
Each sleep disorder has a proper set of symptoms. However, those of narcolepsy are imprecise. The main symptoms include; sleep paralysis, fatigue, lack of sleep, agitation, hallucinations, excessive daytime dizziness, loss of control over muscle movement, etc.
OFTEN CONFUSED WITH OTHER SLEEP DISORDERS:
It is often confused with other sleep disorders since the symptoms are not clear. For example; the problem of muscle movement is often confused with restless legs syndrome, sleeplessness with insomnia, sleep apnea or depression, etc. Therefore, in many cases, patients are deprived of getting the proper treatment.
DAYTIME DROWSINESS:
One common fact about narcolepsy is that the victim faces a lack of sound sleep at night. But he feels immensely sleepy during the day. This daytime laziness makes it difficult to ensure productivity at work life. Hence, it has harmful impacts on a person's private and public life. In the worst cases, people also reported that they experienced sleep attacks. It means a sudden urge to fall asleep and an inability to curb it.
HEALTH ISSUES AND LOW QUALITY OF LIFE:
Do you know that narcolepsy, if left untreated, can reduce the quality of life? It can result in many other health issues that include hypertension, heart issues, diabetes, and many more. Due to these additional troubles, the social and private life of the victim is adversely affected. The person faces rejection at the workplace and problems at home.
DON’T WORRY, IT IS TREATABLE!
Narcolepsy can be curable. A mixed treatment of home remedies and medications can help treat it. These include using antidepressants, sedatives, fixing sleeping schedules, and some other lifestyle changes.
Narcolepsy is a rare sleep disorder. It is caused by the deficiency of hypocretin in the body. Lack of sleep and related health issues are the products of narcolepsy. Since there is no proper set of symptoms that determine this disorder, most of the time it remains undiagnosed and untreated. Previously-stated were some facts about narcolepsy to help you know more about this health issue.
To get more information about narcolepsy, click on the links below;
https://www.healthline.com/health/narcolepsy
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