Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder in which the patient experiences overwhelming and uncontrollable daytime drowsiness, either with or without cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle tone). Unfortunately, there is no cure for narcolepsy, but at Pulmonary Obesity & Sleep Specialists of Houston, we can help you manage your symptoms through the use of medication and recommended lifestyle changes.
Symptoms of narcolepsy may include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness characterized by falling asleep suddenly anywhere, anytime, and any place
- Cataplexy, which can result in sudden and complete muscle weakness and slurred speech
- Sleep paralysis that causes a temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up
- Changes in REM sleep wherein the transition occurs within 15 minutes, which is about six times faster than normal
- Hallucinations that occur while falling asleep or waking up
Additionally, those with narcolepsy often suffer from other sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and insomnia. Although the exact causes of narcolepsy are still not well understood, it is likely due to a combination of factors including brain chemistry or genetics.
To determine if you have narcolepsy, we will need to gather some information about your sleep history, and we may also request that you keep a detailed record of your sleep patterns for a week or two. In addition to this, you may also need to have a polysomnography test, which measures a variety of brain signals during sleep, and a multiple sleep latency test. Your doctor will discuss these with you during your appointment if they are necessary for a diagnosis.
If you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above, please call our office at (281) 652-5864 to request an appointment.