Is there such thing as mild narcolepsy?

In about 10 percent of cases of narcolepsy, cataplexy is the first symptom to appear and can be misdiagnosed as a seizure disorder. Attacks may be mild and involve only a momentary sense of minor weakness in a limited number of muscles, such as a slight drooping of the eyelids.

Is excessive daytime sleepiness the same as narcolepsy?

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is the essential symptom of narcolepsy, and it’s usually the first symptom that people notice. EDS means that you get overcome by an irresistible need to sleep during the day, and you can feel tired all the time.

Are there varying degrees of narcolepsy?

There are two main types of narcolepsy: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 narcolepsy used to be known as “narcolepsy with cataplexy.” Type 2 used to be called “narcolepsy withoutcataplexy.” In very rare cases, a person may develop another type of narcolepsy known as secondary narcolepsy.

What is considered excessive sleepiness?

Excessive daytime sleepiness, which is also referred to as excessive sleepiness or hypersomnia, has been defined as “daily episodes of an irrepressible need to sleep or daytime lapses into sleep.” According to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders — Third Edition, daytime sleepiness is considered …

Can you be partially narcoleptic?

But for other people, who have more severe cataplexy, that can be a partial or total body collapse. When that happens, the person’s muscles are paralyzed, so they can’t move, but they are fully conscious. They can hear everything that’s going on around them, they’re very aware. They’re not asleep.

Is idiopathic hypersomnia a form of narcolepsy?

Idiopathic hypersomnia is similar in presentation to narcolepsy, but patients with this condition have no sleep-onset rapid eye movement (REM) period, and naps are unrefreshing. In addition, idiopathic hypersomnia is not associated with cataplexy.

Why am I always sleepy no matter how much sleep I get?

In short, hypersomnia is a chronic neurological condition that makes you tired no matter how much sleep you get. If you find yourself being tired throughout the day, even after a full night sleep, you may want to look into hypersomnia to learn the best way to improve your sleep.

How many hours of sleep is hypersomnia?

Oversleeping is called hypersomnia or “long sleeping.” This condition affects about 2 percent of people. People with hypersomnia might require as many as 10 to 12 hours of sleep per night to feel their best.

What is narcolepsy often misdiagnosed as?

In a physician survey and retrospective chart review study of 252 patients with narcolepsy, 60\% of patients had initially received a misdiagnosis of another disorder. The most common misdiagnoses included depression (~31\%), insomnia (~18\%), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (~13\%).

What other sleep disorders are like narcolepsy?

Is sleepiness a symptom of narcolepsy?

All individuals with narcolepsy have EDS, and it is often the most obvious symptom. EDS is characterized by persistent sleepiness, regardless of how much sleep an individual gets at night. However, sleepiness in narcolepsy is more like a “sleep attack”, where an overwhelming sense of sleepiness comes on quickly.

Does narcolepsy get worse with age?

Narcolepsy is a lifelong problem, but it does not usually worsen as the person ages. Symptoms can partially improve over time, but they will never disappear completely. The most typical symptoms are excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hallucinations.

How fast do people with narcolepsy enter REM sleep?

In a normal sleep cycle, a person enters rapid eye movement (REM) sleep after about 60 to 90 minutes. Dreams occur during REM sleep, and the brain keeps muscles limp during this sleep stage, which prevents people from acting out their dreams. People with narcolepsy frequently enter REM sleep rapidly,…

What are the best sleep hygiene tips for people with narcolepsy?

Good sleep hygiene is important whether you’re dealing with fatigue or narcolepsy, Dr. Waters says. Here are some tips: Allow adequate time for sleep at night — most people need between 7 and 8 hours — and keep consistent bed/wake times. Keep your bedroom comfortable, cool, dark and quiet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6C6o4SLbTA