About Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder which causes overwhelming sleepiness during the daytime when you may suddenly fall asleep in the middle of talking or even driving. These 'sleep attacks' are sometimes accompanied by muscles going limp or by dream-like hallucinations. It is different from other types of daytime fatigue even though other fatigue may sometimes cause you to nod off unexpectedly.
Narcolepsy is caused by an interference in the brain's normal control over the REM (rapid eye movement) sleep phase. It is linked to low levels of a neurotransmitter called hypocretin. You have probably heard of REM sleep as it is when you dream. Did you also know that during REM sleep your brain 'turns off' your muscles so that you are not actively playing out your dreams while sleeping?
This explains one of the key symptoms of narcolepsy. The sudden muscle weakness (called cataplexy) that accompanies a narcolepsy episode is due to sudden entrance into REM sleep during the daytime. This can also cause the dream-like hallucinations that sometimes come with narcolepsy. Although narcolepsy is a dangerous condition due to accidents and other risks of these uncontrollable sleep episodes, we want you to know there is help for narcolepsy!
How we can help
At Garrett County Sleep Center, we will work with you to determine if your daytime sleepiness is due to narcolepsy or if there are other factors at play. Because narcolepsy is marked by specific patterns in your REM (rapid eye movement) sleep phases both during the night and during the daytime, your individualized diagnostic plan will likely include two specific sleep studies.
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The first would be an overnight sleep test called a polysomnography (PSG) study to monitor sleep phases, muscle movement and many other sleep measures. In addition, you will have a daytime test called a MSLT, Multiple Sleep Latency Test, to measure your REM sleep patterns during daytime sleep episodes. People with narcolepsy enter into daytime sleep more rapidly and experience daytime REM sleep phases more frequently. These tests together can pinpoint a narcolepsy diagnosis.
The comprehensive diagnostic approach we follow allows us to design an effective treatment plan to address your narcolepsy or determine other possible causes of daytime sleepiness. At Garrett County Sleep Center, we know sleep problems affect all aspects of your life and your overall health. That is why it is our mission for you to sleep well! Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions and to schedule your appointment.
