Don't be Caught Napping by Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a disabling illness affecting more than one in 2,000 Americans. It is a debilitating neurological disorder of sleep regulation that affects the body's ability to control sleep patterns. It may be described as an intrusion of the dreaming state of sleep (called REM or rapid eye movement) into the waking state. Narcolepsy symptoms are most common in people between the ages of 15 and 30.

Possible Causes of Narcolepsy

No one knows the exact cause or causes of narcolepsy, but some cases are thought to be related to brain infection, head trauma and brain tumors. The condition is not tied in any way to insomnia or sleep deprivation. There is no cure for narcolepsy, so individuals who suffer from the disorder must learn to manage their symptoms as effectively as possible.

Possible Narcolepsy Symptoms

The four classic narcolepsy symptoms of are:

1. excessive daytime sleepiness.
2. cataplexy: sudden, brief episodes of muscle weakness or paralysis brought on by strong emotions such as laughter, anger, surprise or anticipation.
3. sleep paralysis: paralysis upon falling asleep or waking up.
4. hypnagogic hallucinations: vivid dream-like images that occur at sleep onset.

Other narcolepsy symptoms include disturbed nighttime sleep, including tossing and turning in bed, leg jerks, nightmares, and frequent awakenings.

Lifestyle Changes for the Treatment of Narcolepsy

Diagnosis is usually easy if all the narcolepsy symptoms are present. Narcolepsy is not a dangerous disease unless a sufferer experiences a sleep attack while driving or working heavy machinery. However, the condition can still be extremely embarrassing and inconvenient, which is why treatment of narcolepsy is often sought. Those with narcolepsy should strive to eat a low-fat diet. It is best to eat protein in the middle of the day, due to its energy enhancing properties, and save complex carbohydrates, which tend to relax and promote sleepiness, for the evening. Avoid alcohol and sugar because their stimulating effects are fleeting. Strive to get some physical exercise every day to get the blood pumping. Taking a 45-minute nap in the early afternoon can help ward off sleepiness and other narcolepsy symptoms. Keep the home and office brightly lit with either natural sunlight or overhead lighting as an effective treatment of narcolepsy that can suppress drowsiness.

Natural Vitamin Supplements for the Treatment of Narcolepsy Symptoms

Calcium and magnesium are necessary for normal nervous system function as well as energy production and therefore important in the natural treatment of narcolepsy. Choline is a vital nutrient for normal brain function and lecithin is one of the main substances that digest cholesterol in the human body. Chromium helps regulate sugar metabolism and supports energy production. Complete spectrums of B vitamins acts as a treatment of narcolepsy by boosting metabolism and increasing energy levels. Low levels of L-Tyrosine have been linked to narcolepsy. An Amino Acid Mix increases energy levels needed for proper brain function. L-Glutamine promotes mental ability which is known as "brain fuel" because it can pass the blood-brain barrier freely. Coenzyme Q10 promotes good cerebral circulation and also has strong anti-oxidation effects used to good effect in the treatment of narcolepsy symptoms. Constituents in Gingko Biloba may also aid the brains micro-circulatory system.