Narcolepsy is an unfortunate condition that can impact one’s daily life in severe ways due to the fact that it causes an individual to fall asleep at inconvenient or abrupt moments. But is there a cure for narcolepsy? Unfortunately, there is no complete cure for this condition.
However, there are many different lifestyle choices and habits that someone can engage in that can help them manage this obnoxious condition. Knowing the best practices in terms of this element of your life can help to diminish its overall impact on your life. If you suffer from narcolepsy, take a look at this guide to the narcolepsy treatment steps you can take to make it less severe.
What Is Narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that can make people very drowsy during strange hours. Those who suffer from narcolepsy find it very hard to stay awake for extended periods of time. This has the potential to interfere severely with an individual’s ability to navigate day-to-day life.
Narcolepsy can express itself in many different dimensions and ways depending on the case as it occurs in the individual. This means that special attention must be given to each patient’s experience with this condition.
Developing Good Sleeping Habits
One of the most effective ways to combat narcolepsy is by intentionally practicing good sleeping habits. Some of the most effective methods on hand for this purpose include the following habits:
- Take steps to relax before going to bed, including things like having a warm bath
- Attempt to go to sleep at the same time each night in order to establish a routine
- Take frequent naps throughout the day. Your physician can help you plan a schedule that fits your schedule
- Try to maintain a peaceful sleep environment that encourages good sleep habits
- Avoid consuming caffeine, alcohol, or smoking before you go to bed
- Try not to exercise too close to your bedtime. Try to leave at least two hours between finishing your exercise and going to bed
- Avoid eating large or heavy meals before you go to bed
In addition, you should take a look at any over-the-counter medications or prescription medications that you are currently taking and determine whether or not they might be interfering with your sleep schedule in any form. Your physician may be able to recommend some non-drowsy alternatives for you to try out to replace any medications that might be causing drowsiness.
Discussing Your Symptoms
Because there is quite a large variety of symptoms that can come paired with narcolepsy. However, it can be quite useful for individuals to discuss some of their experienced symptoms with other individuals who are suffering from narcolepsy.
For example, some of the more severe symptoms of narcolepsy, such as loss of muscle control, can be quite distressing for someone, depending on their lifestyle and profession. Articulating these concerns with others can help one cope with their condition.
If you have a child who is suffering from narcolepsy, it can be helpful to remind their teachers and other caretakers that they may exhibit the symptoms of this condition at times. This can help create a support network in your child’s day-to-day life to help facilitate higher functioning.
On the same tip, it’s important to discuss your own narcolepsy with your employer so that they understand what you’re dealing with. However, narcolepsy will likely bar certain individuals from pursuing certain careers, such as those that involve operating heavy machinery.
Possible Medications
There are many medications that are utilized in combatting or curbing narcolepsy. Which ones are right for your situation likely has to do with your unique medical situation and experience with narcolepsy. Some of the following medications have been utilized for the purpose of diminishing the impact of narcolepsy:
- Stimulants: Sometimes, your physician will prescribe stimulants to help you combat your narcolepsy. These medicines stimulate the central nervous system.
- Modafinil: This medication has some side effects, so you’ll have to discuss with your physician whether it would work for you.
- Sodium oxybate: This medication can improve the sudden loss of muscle control associated with narcolepsy.
· Antidepressants: Antidepressants are sometimes prescribed to treat some of the symptoms of narcolepsy. However, you’ll have to discuss with your physician whether or not you qualify to take such medications.
The Best Sleep Clinic in New York
Sleep MP of NYC is one of the most highly regarded physicians in the metropolitan area. If you’re having issues with narcolepsy or any other issue with your sleep, don’t hesitate to contact us in order to discuss your treatment options with our expert sleep doctor.
