pathoscribe

Written by Shaurya Gulani | Art by Srivalli Adarapu

Imagine experiencing sleep paralysis, graphic hallucinations, and “sleep attacks” throughout the day. These are just some of the very scary, but real symptoms of Narcolepsy, a life-long disorder that affects millions of people around the world. Experts share that of those who have narcolepsy, only one out of four individuals are diagnosed. Needless to say, it is important to bring awareness to Narcolepsy Disorders, and their effects. 

As an overview, Narcolepsy is a chronic condition that prevents the brain from regulating sleep or awakeness. It is a frustrating condition because these individuals experience severe drowsiness when they try to stay awake and sleep quality issues when they try to go to sleep. All to say, narcolepsy brings disarray to people’s everyday routines. Common symptoms include temporary loss of muscle control, sleep episodes, hallucinations, insomnia, and more. In trying to avoid situations where such symptoms could be a hazard, many Narcoleptics find themselves having to become socially and emotionally withdrawn. Unfortunately, this condition is a life-long disorder.

Scientists have tried to research the cause of Narcolepsy, and currently, the root of this disorder is unknown. Experiments have demonstrated that the likelihood of the disease being genetically passed down is less than 2%. Most researchers hypothesize that narcolepsy is caused by disfunctional hypocretin-producing cells, cells that produce a chemical that help regulate sleep cycles. Additionally, scientists propose that narcolepsy could be linked to the exposure of swine flu and the vaccines created for it throughout Europe.

There is no known cure for narcolepsy, however, medical research suggests that some symptoms can be treated with medication and changes in lifestyle. Additional safety precautions also have to be taken when carrying out everyday actions like walking up a long flight of stairs or driving a car. Fortunately, with the help of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) industries have adopted a progressive mindset towards narcolepsy, providing reasonable accommodations and the ability to edit work schedules for narcoleptics. Although much progress has been made and continues to take place, we need to become educated about sleeping disorders as it can prevent safety hazards in our lives as well as the lives of our loved ones.

Works Cited:

“Narcolepsy.” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/narcolepsy#:~:text=Narcolepsy%20is%20a%20lifelong%20problem,often%20the%20most%20obvious%20symptom. Accessed 5 Apr. 2024. 

“Narcolepsy.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 14 Jan. 2023, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcolepsy/symptoms-causes/syc-20375497#:~:text=Narcolepsy%20is%20a%20sleep%20disorder,problems%20in%20their%20daily%20routine. 

“Narcolepsy Fast Facts.” Narcolepsy Network, 11 Mar. 2024, narcolepsynetwork.org/about-narcolepsy/narcolepsy-fast-facts/#:~:text=This%20page%20provides%20a%20quick,the%20rest%20of%20our%20website.&text=Narcolepsy%20affects%20an%20estimated%201,and%20approximately%203%20million%20worldwide.