4 Tips for Managing Narcolepsy and Its Symptoms
Narcolepsy is a disorder that affects one’s sleep cycle. One of its most common symptoms is excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), which is triggered by the brain’s inability to regulate sleep and wakefulness. The condition affects at least one in every 2,000 people in the country. Nevertheless, one can deal with the disorder and its symptoms by making certain lifestyle changes. So, here are four tips for managing narcolepsy and its symptoms.
Modify meal plans
While a suitable meal plan for narcolepsy is still being studied, certain foods can help alleviate the symptoms. The condition may increase the risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and stroke, so one must choose foods that help manage heart health. Additionally, meals that consist of a variety of fruits and vegetables can be beneficial for sleep, as they contain higher amounts of melatonin, a chemical in the brain that promotes better sleep. People affected by lack of sleep may develop dysbiosis or an imbalance in the gut microbial composition. So, one should opt for probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and sauerkraut as they contain healthy gut bacteria known to improve gut health. Prebiotic foods like leafy greens, bananas, soybeans, and onions may also help improve the balance of the microorganisms in the gut. Further, fatty fish contain proteins and nutrients like vitamin B12, choline, iron, and zinc, which are associated with better sleep quality. A few healthy seafood options are mackerel, herring, tuna, and salmon.
On the other hand, certain foods can trigger or worsen the symptoms of narcolepsy. Foods rich in saturated fats and trans fats should be avoided. Red meats and products rich in sodium can also negatively affect people with a sleep disorder. Healthcare experts also recommend avoiding harmful stimulants as they may act as depressants for the central nervous system. Ultimately, one should consult a nutritionist or a doctor before making any drastic changes to their meal plans.
Make lifestyle changes
Apart from making better food choices, people affected by narcolepsy must introduce a few changes to their lifestyle to manage the symptoms. Sticking to a fixed schedule for waking up and going to bed, including on the weekends, is an effective way to keep one’s sleeping habits in check. Regular naps of about 20 minutes at uniform intervals during the day can help one feel refreshed and reduce sleepiness for an additional two to three hours. Moderate and regular exercise at least four to five hours before going to bed is another way to tire the body. Doing so may improve sleep quality and help one stay awake during the day.
Seek help
As narcolepsy does not have a permanent cure, seeking help for daily activities can significantly improve how one deals with this sleep disorder and its symptoms. The first method is to discuss one’s condition with employers or teachers (if one is a student). This will allow them to come up with ways to meet the patient’s needs. For instance, employers or teachers may let the individual take naps during the day, record meetings or classes, and stand during meetings and lectures. Brisk walks and changing up static tasks are other methods that one can implement to support someone with the disorder. Those who drive long distances should work with a healthcare professional and come up with a strict schedule to help ensure the patient is fully awake while driving. This schedule could also include stopping for exercise, breaks, or naps whenever the individual feels drowsy. Joining a support group may also help one deal with their condition. Here, people with similar symptoms share their experiences that allow the patient to better understand and cope with narcolepsy.
Initiate treatment
The most crucial step following the diagnosis of narcolepsy is to initiate a doctor-recommended treatment plan. While a permanent cure for the disorder might not be available, prescriptions and other solutions can help one manage their symptoms. Here are common treatment options:
Stimulants: A healthcare expert may recommend prescriptions that may stimulate the central nervous system. This form of treatment helps one stay awake during the day. People with severe symptoms of narcolepsy may need treatment with methylphenidate or other amphetamines. The prescriptions are effective, however, they must be administered in moderation. Further, these amphetamines can lead to side effects like an irregular heartbeat and nervousness.
Sodium oxybate: The prescription is effective in people with cataplexy. The treatment option helps improve one’s ability to get adequate sleep at night, the lack of which which is a symptom of narcolepsy. Stronger doses of this option may also help control daytime sleepiness. Typically, one dose should be taken before bedtime and another four hours later, as prescribed by a healthcare professional. One should remember that the prescription might lead to side effects like nausea, severe sleepwalking, and bed wetting. Further, combining the treatment with other narcotic pain relievers might result in adverse effects like difficulty breathing.
Other prescription options: Doctors may recommend selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) to suppress REM sleep. SSRIs or SNRIs are also recommended to reduce symptoms like hypnagogic hallucinations, cataplexy, and sleep paralysis. Doctors can also recommend tricyclic antidepressants, which are effective for treating cataplexy. However, its side effects include symptoms like lightheadedness and dry mouth.
These options should be used only if the doctor recommends them. A healthcare expert may also advise against continuing with ongoing prescriptions if the patient is affected by other underlying health complications like diabetes or high blood pressure. That is because certain prescription options to treat allergies and colds are known to cause dizziness, and consuming these can disrupt the narcolepsy treatment. Other modern treatments are being studied, and these involve the use of prescriptions acting on the histamine chemical system, hypocretin replacement, immunotherapy, and hypocretin gene therapy.
