What are the dangers of narcolepsy?
From the symptoms we have understood above, we will find that patients with narcolepsy often do not know when their symptoms will occur. Syncope can occur at any time without any cause, which can be dangerous to the patient and others. Dangers that may arise from narcolepsy include:
- It may cause accidents because the symptoms of narcolepsy are falling asleep or unconsciously falling asleep. Patients cannot predict when the symptoms of narcolepsy will occur.
- Accidents or injuries may occur if muscle weakness (cataplexy) is also present.
- Affecting work and daily life
- Affects the quality of sleep at night
- It may cause obesity because sleeping too much during the day causes the metabolism to decrease.
Diagnosis of narcolepsy
Initially, the doctor will ask about the patient’s medical history, such as what the fainting episodes are like, when they usually occur, and how they sleep at night. After that, the doctor will perform a general physical examination. In addition, for a more https://ufabet999.app accurate examination, the doctor may use a sleep test to check the patient’s sleep and may have the patient wear an Actigraphy device, which looks like a smart watch and tracks the patient’s movements and activities during the day.
How to treat narcolepsy?
There are currently several treatments for narcolepsy. Generally, doctors focus on treating patients with medication and adjusting their behavior. Common treatments for narcolepsy are as follows:
1. Use of medication
- Stimulants: These drugs help patients stay alert and reduce daytime drowsiness.
- Antidepressants: These medications are often used to control cataplexy and other sleep-related disorders.
- Sodium Oxybate (Xyrem) is used in cases where a patient has severe drowsiness and sudden muscle weakness (cataplexy).
2. Adjust your lifestyle.
- Set a sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including taking short naps (about 15-20 minutes) during the day to help reduce daytime drowsiness.
- Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. Drinking tea, coffee, and caffeinated beverages, including alcohol, can make it difficult to fall asleep at night.
- Relax your mind before bed, such as meditating, breathing exercises before bed, relaxing your mind, or giving yourself a gentle body massage to help your body and mind relax more.
- Arrange the bedroom appropriately. The bedroom temperature should not be too hot and the bedroom should not be disturbed by light and noise to ensure quality sleep.