Narcolepsy Brochure

An Outreach Project by Chris Trader | Return To Outreach Projects 2010

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The following is a brochure created for Stanford Sleep and Dreams. If it is difficult to read using the images, you may view the text here. Unfortunately, there is no download available for this brochure.

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What is Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a Chronic Neurological disorder caused by the brains inability to regulate sleep and wake cycles normally. At random times throughout day people with narcolepsy face strong urges to sleep and sometimes will fall asleep for several seconds to several minutes. Narcoleptic episodes can occur at any time, which makes this sleep disorder extremely disabling; one can fall asleep while at work, school, playing a game, or even driving. A French physician first clinically reported narcolepsy in 1880, however, the involvement of REM sleep in narcolepsy was not demonstrated until 1960.

What are the Symptoms?

The most common symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and Cataplexy. EDS occurs whether or not the narcoleptic person has sufficient sleep at night. People with narcolepsy report a sense of cloudiness, lack of energy, depressed mood, or extreme exhaustion. Cataplexy consists of a loss of muscle tone that leads to a feeling of weakness and a loss of voluntary muscle control. Other less common symptoms include hallucinations and sleep paralysis. Symptoms generally appear between the ages 10 and 25 but they can show up at any age. Symptoms tend to get worse over time.

How do I know I have Narcolepsy? Do I have another sleep disorder? Am I simply just tired?

None of the major symptoms are exclusive to Narcolepsy, thus two tests are generally needed in order to diagnose the disorder. The polysomnogram (PSG) and the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). The PSG tests can confirm whether REM sleep occurs at abnormal times, which would be a sign of narcolepsy. The MSLT measures the time it takes for a person to fall asleep. The average sleep latency is about 10 minutes, so if a person falls asleep in less than 5 minutes it would suggest narcolepsy.

Who does it affect?

Narcolepsy affects more than 250,00 Americans. It generally appears in adolescence and endures throughout the life of the patient. It occurs around the globe in every racial group. It affects men and women equally. Direct relatives of narcoleptics have an increased risk of developing the disease. Other factors such as infection, immune-system dysfunction and trauma may be a cause. Narcolepsy is underrecognized and underdiagnosed.

Treatments

There is no cure for Narcolepsy at this time. Symptoms can be relieved with medications. Stimulants such as amphetamines can give a narcoleptic person normal alertness during the daytime. Other medications are used to suppress cataplectic incidents. One should also change behavior to reduce symptoms. People should take naps when they are tired, improve nighttime sleep quality and exercise daily. Also, avoid alcohol, smoking and caffeine. All symptoms cannot be totally relieved, so one should always take precautions before driving.

Need More Information?

If you think you have narcolepsy, see your physician. If you would like further information you can visit: www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/narcolepsy or contact:

Narcolepsy Network, Inc.
110 Ripple Lane
North Kingstown, RI   02852
http://www.narcolepsynetwork.org
Tel: 888-292-6522 401-667-2523
Fax: 401-633-6567

National Sleep Foundation
1522 K Street NW
Suite 500
Washington, DC   20005
http://www.sleepfoundation.org
Tel: 202-347-3471
Fax: 202-347-3472