NARCOLEPSY

SYMPTOMS

• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Sudden attacks of sleep
• Sudden loss of muscle tone
• Sleep paralysis
• Hallucinations

CAUSE OF DISEASE

• The exact cause of narcolepsy isn't known.
• Genetics may play a role.
• Factors, such as infection may contribute to the development of narcolepsy.

HOW DOES A PERSON INHERIT THE DISEASE?

• Most cases of narcolepsy do not occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family.
• The condition does not have a clear pattern of inheritance
• A small percentage of all cases have been reported to run in families

FIVE INTERESTING FACTS

• Narcolepsy is a lifelong disorder that affects approximately 1 in every 2000 people in the US
• Many people with narcolepsy go through their lives undiagnosed
• Narcolepsy has been observed in humans and a few other species of animals, including dogs
• The severity of the disorder varies from person to person
• Narcoleptics have 10 times the rate of automobile accidents as non-narcoleptics

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Narcolepsy is a chronic condition for which there's no cure.
• People with narcolepsy often find it difficult to stay awake for long periods of time.
• Sleep attacks may result in physical harm to people with narcolepsy.
• People with narcolepsy are twice as likely to be overweight
• Narcolepsy can cause serious disruptions in your daily routine.

HOW TO COPE WITH THE DISORDER

• Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends
• Schedule short naps at regular intervals during the day
• Regular exercise before bedtime may help you feel more awake
• Naps of 20 minutes at strategic times during the day may be helpful

THE END!