Why do I suddenly fall asleep while sitting?

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that affects your ability to wake and sleep. People with narcolepsy have excessive, uncontrollable daytime sleepiness. They may also suddenly fall asleep at any time, during any type of activity.

Does narcolepsy start at any age?

Narcolepsy affects both males and females equally. Symptoms often start in childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood (ages 7 to 25), but can occur at any time in life. It is estimated that anywhere from 135,000 to 200,000 people in the United States have narcolepsy.

Is there a definitive test for narcolepsy?

Two tests that are considered essential in confirming a diagnosis of narcolepsy are the polysomnogram (PSG) and the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT). In addition, questionnaires, such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, are often used to measure excessive daytime sleepiness.

How do I know if I m narcoleptic?

People with narcolepsy fall asleep without warning, anywhere, anytime. For example, you may be working or talking with friends and suddenly you nod off, sleeping for a few minutes up to a half-hour. When you awaken, you feel refreshed, but eventually you get sleepy again.

Is caffeine bad for narcolepsy?

Consider your caffeine use. Some people with narcolepsy find coffee or other caffeinated beverages helpful to staying awake. For others, coffee is ineffective, or, in combination with stimulant medications, it can cause jitteriness, diarrhea, anxiety, or a racing heart.

Can an MRI detect narcolepsy?

Imaging studies such as MRI are useful for excluding rare causes of symptomatic narcolepsy. Structural abnormalities of the brain stem and diencephalon may present as idiopathic narcolepsy. In patients with secondary narcolepsy, MRI of the brain may show various abnormalities that correspond to the underlying cause.

Does narcolepsy cause depression?

Narcolepsy impacts REM sleep and creates havoc on a person’s normal sleeping patterns, thus leading to other mental health issues that include depression.

Do neurologists treat narcolepsy?

The sleep specialist will likely be a neurologist, but may also be a pulmonologist, otolaryngologist, or other qualified doctor. As narcolepsy is a sleep disorder, it is best treated by a neurologist who specializes in sleep disorders.

Can melatonin help with narcolepsy?

Based on the latest research, melatonin may provide a novel option for improving central disorder of hypersomnolence. As mentioned before, melatonin alters sleep architecture in narcolepsy, a disorder of circadian rhythm and REM sleep deficit.

What is the difference between hypersomnia and narcolepsy?

Hypersomnia and narcolepsy have some similar characteristics and may look alike at first. However, it is evident that narcolepsy is a more severe (and rare) condition. Hypersomnia simply describes recurrent daytime sleepiness or prolonged sleep patterns.

How long is a narcolepsy test?

Types of sleep tests The Multiple Sleep Latency Test is often the most important test for diagnosing narcolepsy. It is a series of five scheduled naps spread across the day. Every two hours, the patient is given an opportunity to sleep for 20 minutes or more.

What neurotransmitter is deficient in narcolepsy?

Many cases of narcolepsy are thought to be caused by a lack of a brain chemical called hypocretin (also known as orexin), which regulates sleep. The deficiency is thought to be the result of the immune system mistakenly attacking parts of the brain that produce hypocretin.

How do you know if you have REM sleep disorder?

Symptoms of REM sleep behavior disorder may include: Movement, such as kicking, punching, arm flailing or jumping from bed, in response to action-filled or violent dreams, such as being chased or defending yourself from an attack. Noises, such as talking, laughing, shouting, emotional outcries or even cursing.

What neurotransmitter causes narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by sleep that can strike at any time, lasting from seconds to minutes. Most narcoleptics experience loss of muscle tone (cataplexy) and have low levels of orexin (hypocretin), a neurotransmitter that promotes wakefulness.