Can Narcolepsy Go Away on Its Own?

Narcolepsy is a long-term, recurrent sleep illness mostly identified by excessive daytime sleepiness and “sleep attacks.” There is no remedy for narcolepsy at the moment. Narcolepsy Glendale symptoms can go away for a long time and do not tend to worsen or intensify with age. Narcolepsy is divided into two types. Narcolepsy with cataplexy, or abrupt loss of muscle control, is classified as Type 1, while narcolepsy without cataplexy is classified as Type 2. The basis of Type 2 narcolepsy is unknown, and there are many different theories about what causes it. Conversely, type 1 narcolepsy is more common, and its causes are better understood.

Causes of narcolepsy

Low levels of a brain substance known as hypocretin and orexin have been associated with type 1 narcolepsy, defined by cataplexy. Hypocretin aids in the regulation of sleep and wakefulness and the transmission of nerve signals. Neurons (brain cells) in the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that regulates the sleep-wake cycle, body temperature, and appetite, produce hypocretin. In the brains of patients with narcolepsy, particularly those with type 1, researchers discovered substantially fewer hypocretin-producing cells and lower hypocretin concentration. During awake durations, the hypothalamus secretes hypocretin to maintain alertness and suppress rapid eye movement (REM) outside of the normal sleep cycle in people who do not have narcolepsy.

Additionally, low hypocretin levels in narcoleptics cause persistent excessive sleepiness and enable REM sleep to occur at irregular times, resulting in cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hallucinations. According to some scientists, low hypocretin causes “sleep state instability” in people with narcolepsy, resulting in daytime sleepiness and disturbed nighttime sleep. The biological cause of type 2 narcolepsy, characterized by extreme daytime sleepiness, is less well understood. According to one theory, type 2 narcolepsy is caused by less severe hypothalamic neuron injury than type 1 narcolepsy.

Best diagnosis for narcolepsy

Treatment for narcolepsy can take various forms based on the cause and how much the illness interferes with your daily life. Hypocretin deficiency is irreversible, but its symptoms can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes. Stimulants, sodium oxybate, and antidepressants are some of the most powerful drugs for daytime sleepiness and cataplexy. Establishing a routine sleep schedule, taking brief naps throughout the day, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol are just several lifestyle changes that have been shown to help some people. These are some of the most important things you can do to improve your sleep and sleep quality.

What causes narcolepsy to develop?

Individuals between the ages of 10 and 30 are more likely to develop narcolepsy. Finding yourself falling asleep during the day for no apparent reason is one of the first and most visible narcolepsy indications. Excessive daytime tiredness is a common symptom of narcolepsy. However, it is frequently misdiagnosed because this symptom can also signify sleep apnea and other sleep-wake disorders.

If you have excessive daytime sleepiness interfering with your personal or professional life, see your physician. Call Sonoran Sleep Center or schedule an appointment to learn more about narcolepsy.