Adam Elramsisy
What is Narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a sleeping disorder characterized by disability to control sleep and
wakefulness. People with this disabling disorder may fall directly into REM (Rapid
Eye Movement) sleep at any time, even when the person has no intention of going to
sleep. The “sleep attacks” may last from 30 seconds to 30 minutes.
What are the Symptoms of Narcolepsy?
The most common symptom of Narcolepsy is cataplexy, or sudden but short periods
of muscle weakness or paralysis caused by strong emotions such as anger,
surprise, shock, fear or excitement. Other symptoms include sleep paralysis,
abnormal nighttime sleep (nightmares, tossing and turning, and frequently being
awakened) and hypogogic and hypnopompic hallucinations, or hallucinations
occurring while falling asleep or waking up. During the day narcoleptic people may
take frequent naps during the day regardless of the quality of their sleep at night or
their sleeping patterns.
Many narcoleptics also have an abnormal sleeping cycle. Normally, the REM stage
of sleep first occurs about ninety minutes after sleep begins. In an estimated 50%
of narcoleptics experience REM sleep within the ten minutes of falling asleep
causing them to spend less time in deep sleep (Stage 4)
What is the cause of Narcolepsy?
The cause of narcolepsy is unknown; there is evidence that it may be a genetic
disorder since there is a high incidence of a lack or deficiency of a neurotransmitter
called hypocretin, which is produced in the hypothalamus. Narcolepsy may also be
related with blood pressure since blood pressure has been linked atony, which is
the loss of muscle tone, a characteristic of REM sleep.
How many people suffer from Narcolepsy?
An estimated one in 2000 people is affected by narcolepsy. Narcolepsy occurs
equally in men and women.
How is Narcolepsy Treated?
Narcolepsy cannot be cured, but with use of appropriate drugs, its symptoms may
be controlled. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin®), modafinil (Provigil®),
dextroamphetamine, and pemoline, are used to help minimize the daytime
sleepiness associated with Narcolepsy. Antidepressant drugs such as imipramine
or chlorimimipramine are used to minimize the other symptoms such as cataplexy,
sleep paralysis, and hypnogogic and hypnopompic hallucinations.
Currently…
Currently scientists are researching a narcolepsy in other animals, specifically dogs
and mice. They are comparing the gene map of these animals to those of humans
in search of the cause of the disorder. Since deficiency of hypocretin is suspected
to be one of the causes, researchers are experimenting with hypocretin injections.
Bibliography
1. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/narcolep_doc.htm
2. http://sleepdisorderchannel.com/narcolepsy/
3. Textbook: “Psychology” by David G. Myers (p. 279-280)
4. Interview with Lena Buda (narcoleptic)
Adam Elramsisy