![]() The test consists of four 20-minute opportunities to nap, which are offered every two hours throughout the day. The multiple sleep latency test is performed after an adequate night’s sleep has been demonstrated clearly. The test is done in a sleep laboratory, where brain waves, eye movements, muscle activity, heartbeat, blood oxygen levels and respiration are monitored electronically with a device called a polysomnograph. The sleep study checks for other explanations that could account for daytime sleepiness, such as sleep deprivation, sleep apnoea and depression. ![]() Narcolepsy can be diagnosed on the basis of a history of typical episodes and the results of an overnight sleep study with a multiple sleep latency test. Early diagnosis and treatment, however, are important to the physical and mental well-being of the sufferer, since studies have shown that even treated narcoleptic patients are often markedly psychosocially impaired in the area of work, leisure, interpersonal relations, and are more prone to accidents. This is often due to the fact that patients consult a physician only after many years of excessive sleepiness, assuming that sleepiness is not indicative of a disease. In one recent study, it took on average 14 years from the onset of symptoms to time of diagnosis. In many cases diagnosis is not made until many years after the onset of symptoms. Studies on the epidemiology of narcolepsy show an incidence of 0.2 to 1.6 per thousand in European countries, Japan and the United States. It is a frequent disorder, the second leading cause of excessive daytime sleepiness diagnosed by sleep centres after sleep apnea. The development, number and severity of symptoms vary widely among individuals with the disorder but excessive sleepiness is usually the first and most prominent symptom of narcolepsy. Hypnagogic hallucinations: dream-like auditory or visual hallucinations, while dozing or falling asleep.ĭisturbed night time sleep, including tossing and turning in bed, leg jerks, nightmares, and frequent awakenings may also occur.Sleep paralysis: the patient suddenly finds himself unable to move for a few minutes, most often upon falling asleep or waking up. ![]() Reflexes are abolished during the attack. In severe cases, the patient might fall down and become completely paralysed for a few seconds to several minutes. In other typical cataplectic attacks the head may drop or the jaw may become slack. Typically, the patient’s knees buckle and may give way upon laughing, elation, fear, surprise or anger. Cataplexy: a striking, sudden episode of muscle weakness triggered by high emotions.The four classic symptoms of the disorder (although not all sufferers will have all four) are: Symptoms generally begin between the ages of 15 and 30. These attacks result in episodes of sleep at work and social events, while eating, talking, driving, or on other similarly inappropriate occasions. These “sleep attacks” last from a few seconds to 30 minutes, regardless of the amount or quality of night time sleep. ![]() Narcolepsy occurs when the part of the brain that regulates sleep and wakefulness does not function properly, causing sudden spells of Rapid-Eye-Movement (REM) sleep – the dreaming state of sleep. Although sleep episodes can occur at any time, they may be more frequent during periods of inactivity or monotonous, repetitive activity. These episodes can occur frequently and at inappropriate times, for example while a person is talking, eating or driving. Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that causes episodes of unpreventable sleep. ![]()
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