Symptoms of Narcolepsy

There are four main symptoms of narcolepsy that typify the condition. Not all of them may occur at the same time in a patient but they typify this condition. Narcolepsy is essentially a neurological condition that causes excessive sleepiness during the day.

1. Sleep paralysis
   Sleep paralysis refers to a condition where a person is physically awake, but finds himself unable to move or talk. This symptom of narcolepsy can be very transient, lasting for only a few seconds or minutes, to much longer periods.

2. Cataplexy
   Cataplexy is a condition in which there are abrupt attacks of muscular weakness and hypotonia triggered by an emotional stimulus such as mirth, anger, fear, or surprise. The severness of cataplext could range from just a limp feeling of weakness, to facial paralysis or even complete collapse. This symptom of narcolepsy can be very frightening, as sufferers do not lose conciousness during an episode.

3. Automatic behaviour
   Automatic behavior, also known as sleep-walking, is when a person remains asleep yet unconciously performs a whole host of actions; actions done whilst asleep are not remembered upon waking. This common symptom of narcolepsy can be dangerous at times, especially if a sufferer wanders off outside.

4. Hypnogogic Halucinations
   An hypnogogic hallucination is also a symptom associated with narcolepsy. This is an often frightening symptom that usually happens on the cusp of the waking and sleeping worlds. Hallucinations are very vivid, and as they occur when the sufferer is still technically awake, seem very real.

Of course, the main characteristic symptom of narcolepsy is excessive sleepiness during the day, not connected with lack of sleep. These are just the most common symptoms of narcolepsy and may not be present in all sufferers. Just 1/4 of total sufferers experience all the symptoms of narcolepsy.

Is there any natural treatment for narcolepsy that can reduce the symptoms or cure the disease? Most physicians prescribe conventional drugs like methamphetamine, methylphenidate, pemoline and dextroamphetamine in the treatment of narcolepsy. These are usually effective when it comes to helping relieve main symptom of narcolepsy, daytime drowsiness, and in crease alertness. However these drugs come together with a whole lot of side effects including shakiness, nervousness, stomachaches, and anorexia. This is why a natural treatment of narcolepsy is often sought.

Meditation and relaxation techniques have been found to have helped very much in the treatment of narcolepsy. Lecithin, flaxseed oil and cayenne powder have all shown positive results when used in natural remedies for the treatment of narcolepsy.