Narcolepsy: What could be causing the sleep disorder?
Image source: Everydayhealth.com Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that affects 1 in 2,000 people. It causes excessive daytime sleepiness that can lead a person to fall asleep suddenly, even while doing other activities. According to Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., individuals need to consult with a sleep medicine specialist for the appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Aside from excessive daytime sleepiness, people with narcolepsy may sometimes experience cataplexy, sleep paralysis, hallucinations, interrupted nighttime sleep, or even insomnia. Unlike others, those who have narcolepsy fall into the REM sleep within 15 minutes compared to the usual 60 to 90-minute interval. The disorder can be classified into two categories: Type 1 (with cataplexy) or Type 2 (without cataplexy). Those who have cataplexy may sometimes experience the sudden loss of voluntary muscle control due to strong emotions. This symptom may sometimes be misdiagnosed as a seizure. However, the difference b...