This article will gives you with the information you need to learn about this sleep disorder, you might be the sufferer or know someone who is suffering from it - whatever the case, the information contained here will be very useful to you and will allow you to take certain precautions towards curbing the intensity of the disorder.
Narcolepsy is a misunderstood type of sleeping disorder mainly because its symptoms can easily be misdiagnosed. In essence Narcolepsy is a type of sleeping disorder whereby the narcoleptic gets sleep attacks during the day - often called excessive daytime sleepiness disorder (EDS).
What happens is that the victim will feel very sleepy during the day and might to help but fall asleep. This sleep disorder is a neurological based condition i.e. it affects the area in the body that controls wakefulness and sleepiness.
One common effect associated with this disorder is what is known as cataplexy. This is a situation whereby the person loses muscle control that leads to the person falling to the ground. The effects of narcolepsy affects different individual with varying severity.
Although a person can manage to live with narcolepsy, it can be fatal in cases where the sleep attack or cataplexy comes at a time where the narcoleptic is driving, or holding a child. While research is still on going to fully understand this sleep disarray, sometimes even without these harmful effects, Narcolepsy can impair performance in school or at work.
Although it is advisable to see a narcolepsy doctor for diagnosis, the following behavioral therapy can be practiced by the sufferer.
Avoiding drugs that can affect sleep. This includes any form of drug.
Taking short naps during the day can do wonders to containing this disorder. The naps should be last for about 30 minutes.
Developing a healthy diet and stick to it. Avoid eating two to three hours before you go to bed.
It is important that you keep your bedroom comfortable and quiet. Remove any form of distraction including TV and computers. With the latter, make sure there is no light coming from them while sleeping.
Avoid eating just before bed time especially food that can make it hard for you to fall asleep. This includes Caffeine in coffee, chocolate, and certain soft drinks and teas.
Also avoid tobacco and alcohol especially before bedtime.
There are a number of organizations that can help people suffering from narcolepsy. You need to make sure that you are visiting a site that will provide comprehensive information and one that is not out to sell you something.
