Do you feel sleepy during the day and even tend to fall asleep randomly without meaning to? You may have narcolepsy. It’s a condition that can heavily affect your life. Even though there is no cure, you can control some of the symptoms with the help of medication and lifestyle changes. Find out if you have it with our narcolepsy test.

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What is narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a disorder that causes disruptions in the normal sleep/wake cycle. Narcolepsy typically affects children and adolescents the most, but it can occur at any point in life. Men and women are both diagnosed in an equal measure. According to some estimates, up to 200,000 people in the United States have narcolepsy.

Cause of narcolepsy

Some people have low levels of a brain chemical called hypocretin, which helps to regulate sleep processes in the body. However, it’s not the case for all individuals with narcolepsy. Research suggests autoimmune response, genetics, hormonal changes, or an infection as a cause, but it’s not yet confirmed if and how these factors play a role.

Narcolepsy symptoms

People who have this condition are susceptible to unexpected, sudden sleep attacks. A nap like that can last anywhere from a few up to thirty minutes. They will feel rested after waking up but get sleepy again. They might also be distracted and struggle with focus.

Another symptom is cataplexy. It is the rapid loss of muscle function. Intense emotions like fear or anger can trigger it, as well as a fit of laughter or crying. Cataplexy is a sudden muscle weakness that happens when a person is awake. A person might experience a head droop, knees buckling, or even a complete weakening of most muscles. They may occasionally be unable to speak, move, or even stand up. Not every person that has narcolepsy also experiences cataplexy.

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People with narcolepsy can experience sleep paralysis. It describes a brief period of being awake and conscious yet unable to move or communicate. Even though these episodes are temporary, they can be frightening because you have no control over your body. Many people also see or hear things that aren’t there, making sleep paralysis even scarier. Not every person with narcolepsy has sleep paralysis. It may occasionally be a sign of another sleep condition like sleep apnea.

The majority of dreams occur during REM phase. In people with narcolepsy, REM sleep can take place at any point of the day. Narcolepsy patients frequently transition to REM sleep quickly. It usually occurs within 15 minutes from the moment they fall asleep.

Narcolepsy test

Is there a test for narcolepsy? Your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask about your medical history, sleep history, and sleep patterns. They might ask you to keep a journal for a few weeks and note your times of sleep and symptoms.

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One method to diagnose narcolepsy is the polysomnogram. It records brain activity, breathing, eye movement, and the movement of muscles overnight. For this test, you would have to stay in the medical facility for the night.

Another one is the MSL test. An individual is asked to take several short naps under observation, each two hours apart. If they will fall asleep in less than 8 minutes on average, that might indicate EDS.

Can you fake a narcolepsy test? It’s not really an option. You can’t simulate the symptoms or the brain activity. Polysomnograms and other tools will prove if you have narcolepsy or not.

Do you know why you’re so tired?

How do you test for narcolepsy at home?

At-home testing isn’t possible for that condition. Outside of a medical facility, you won’t be able to monitor your brain activity. Only a licensed medical professional can diagnose narcolepsy or another sleep disorder. Online tests cannot replace a doctor’s opinion, but they can help you make sense of your symptoms and share information to share with your physician.

Narcolepsy treatment

You can’t cure narcolepsy, but with the help of medication, you can manage your symptoms. Narcolepsy sufferers who use drugs like stimulants may find it easier to remain awake during the day. Antidepressants are effective in treating cataplexy and sleep paralysis. You can choose the best medication for you with your doctor’s assistance.

Sometimes lifestyle changes are needed to manage the condition. Sticking to a sleep schedule might be effective. You can also try to plan naps during the day. Avoid using electronic devices at least an hour before going to bed. Exercising regularly will help you stay energized and alert during the day.

What kind of sleeper are you? Find your chronotype!

There are also alternative treatment methods like acupuncture, meditation, or massage. Usually, the right mix of medication and lifestyle changes will be effective in managing narcolepsy.

Wake up! It’s time for your narcolepsy test. Do you have narcolepsy? Our quiz will discover the truth!