How to Diagnose Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy, a chronic sleep disorder, is characterized by intense drowsiness and perhaps even sudden attacks of sleep. Sleeping disorders like narcolepsy are more serious than people can imagine.

Regardless of the situation, people suffering from narcolepsy find it difficult to stay awake for long periods of time and hence it interferes with everyday activities, work, school, and social life. Many people believe that narcolepsy causes include depression, fatigue, and lack of sleep; however, this is not true. While the exact causes are unclear, experts believe that factors like genetics, infections, and exposure to toxins may be instrumental.

There is no cure for narcolepsy, but medication and lifestyle changes can help manage the condition. Therefore, it is important to undergo narcolepsy diagnosis as soon as the symptoms of narcolepsy show up, so that the treatment can be administered at the right time.

There are various narcolepsy signs that are evident in people suffering from this condition. Some of the common narcolepsy signs include:

• Hallucinations
• Sleep paralysis
• Sudden muscle tone loss
• Excess sleepiness

Preliminary narcolepsy diagnosis includes in-depth analysis of sleep patterns. Doctors check the patient’s sleep history and sleep records, and carry out a polysomnogram, hypocretin test, as well as a multiple sleep latency test to confirm the disorder narcolepsy.

For more information on narcolepsy, see below:

Narcolepsy: Top Five Symptoms

Narcolepsy: Drugs and Treatment

Narcolepsy: Latest Medical Breakthroughs

Narcolepsy: How Your Diet Plays a Role