Information and facts on Narcolepsy disorder

 

In healthy individuals, sleep begins with the NREM phase. After sixty minutes or so of NREM sleep,  REM sleep begins. A short time later, the entire cycle begins again. In a narcoleptic sleep attack, in  contrast, researchers have found that REM sleep begins almost instantly, with no introductory NREM 
sleep. The precise significance of this is not yet understood, but it does provide a useful diagnostic tool as well as a clue for researchers to pursue in trying to understand this mysterious disorder.

The 2nd symptom of narcolepsy is cataplexy. This is a type of paralysis that usually occurs in response to some type of heightened emotion, such as anger, fear, or excitement. The individual does not lose consciousness, but experiences a sudden and temporary loss of muscle tone. Often, only the legs and/or arms are affected. These episodes normally last less than a minute, and they seem to be most likely to occur if the person is surprised in some way.

Sleep paralysis is the 3rd symptom of narcolepsy. Just as you are falling asleep, or as you are beginning to awaken, you try to move or say something but find that you cannot, even though you are fully conscious. This lasts for only a second or two, but it can be frightening, especially the first time it happens. These  episodes usually end either on their own or when someone touches or speaks to you. Many doctors feel  that sleep paralysis is similar to cataplexy and to the state that accompanies REM sleep, in which motor activity is inhibited even though the brain is active. This phenomenon is not strictly limited to people with narcolepsy; many otherwise healthy people may experience it occasionally.

Like sleep paralysis, sleep-related hallucinations medically termed hypnagogic phenomena usually occur just prior to sleep, or sometimes upon awakening. The affected individual may hear sounds that aren't  there and/or see illusions. These visual and auditory illusions are very vivid. This phenomenon also can occur in individuals who do not suffer from narcolepsy, particularly in children.

Because the symptoms of narcolepsy vary from individual to individual (it is estimated that only 10% of  people with narcolepsy experience all four of the classic symptoms), this disorder is frequently  misdiagnosed. Further compounding the problem is the fact that other sleep disorders, such as sleep  apnea, also can produce spells of marked daytime drowsiness. Narcolepsy is not a particularly dangerous problem,  unless one experiences a sleep attack while operating a motor vehicle or other machinery. It can,  however, be embarrassing and extremely inconvenient. The cause or causes of this disorder are unknown, but brain infection, head trauma, or brain tumors maybe behind some cases. It is known  that narcolepsy is almost never the result of insomnia or sleep deprivation. There is currently no cure for this disorder, so the focus must be on treating the symptoms. Dietary supplementation may provide aid.

Other Changes To Make

• drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or filtered water a day

• eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)

• nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good

• juice is good (make your own with a juice machine)

• do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods

• carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack

• a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)

• do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks

• do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...

• use stress relief like going for walks in the park (or the 10/90 rule - see Stress)

• brown rice is good to eat

• avoid red meat and animal fats

• reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others

• fast a few days a month

• get at least 8 hours of sleep 

• exercise light to moderate amounts

• avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet

• do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke

• do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal

• do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry

• do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else

All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or to administer to any physical ailments.
In all matters related to your health please contact a qualified, licensed Medical Consultant or Doctor.