Narcolepsy is a type of sleep disorder and a serious health problem. If you don't recognize the problem soon and have appropriate treatment, it can get very bad. What are the signs of narcolepsy? Below is an overview of the main signs of the sleep condition.
In this Guide
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS)
This is the most common symptom of narcolepsy. When you have excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), you feel sleepy all the time. You can fall asleep anytime and anywhere. This can be when you are working, studying or even driving. Even when you have long night sleep, you still feel sleepy during the day.
Narcolepsy can happen to both children and adult. So, when you notice your kids sleep during the day, do not yell at them yet. Its time to meet the doctor and have a thorough diagnosis.
Cataplexy
Cataplexy is another common sign of narcolepsy. When suffering from cataplexy, you feel as though you have lost all muscle strength. In mild cases, it is impossible to speak or move. In serious cases, the total body can collapse. The symptom can last from a few seconds to a few minutes depending on the severity.
Hallucinations
This symptom manifests by you seeing illusional images that are usually frightening.
Sleep Paralysis
As the name suggests, sleep paralysis means you cannot move or speak while lying on the bed. This symptom occurs when you have just fallen asleep or when you begin to wakeup. Sleep paralysis can last from few seconds to few minutes. After that period, you will return to normal states.
The above are the four main symptoms of narcolepsy. If you notice you or your family members have one of those signs, be sure to have them diagnosed to find out the problem. If it's not narcolepsy, that's great. If yes, you should be prepared for a course of treatment that might take a very long time.