Narcolepsy
It is characterized by severe and persistent daytime sleepiness that can cause impairments in one's normal schedule. Normal sleep unfolds through a series of stages, with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep occurring in the final stage, usually an hour or more after falling asleep. In narcolepsy, REM sleep is irregular and often begins within minutes after falling asleep, which is much earlier than normal. It has two types Narcolepsy Type 1: - Its characterized by cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle tone) and low levels of hypocretin-1 Narcolepsy Type 2: - People with NT2 have many similar symptoms as people with NT1, but they do not have cataplexy or low levels of hypocretin-1. Symptoms: - Excessive daytime sleeping EDS - Automatic behaviour - Disrupted night time sleep - Sleep paralysis There is no cure for narcolepsy type 1 or type 2. The goals of treatment for narcolepsy are improving patient safety, reducing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life.