Narcolepsy: Interesting Facts About Sleeping Sickness

Narcolepsy is a relatively rare sleeping sickness, with five different types being differentiated. Some forms only affect sleep, but others can even lead to dementia. Find out interesting facts about this topic today. 

Narcolepsy is a relatively rare sleeping sickness that belongs to the group of sleep addictions. There are different forms that affect the affected patient in different ways. The classic form is characterized by daytime sleepiness and cataplexy (short-term loss of muscular tone). It is estimated that 0.1 percent of the world’s population is affected.

The French doctor Jean-Baptiste-Edouard Gélineau first used the term narcolepsy at the end of the 19th century. This scientist described this sleeping sickness in 1880 and chose a name for it with Greek roots: narkē and lepsis , which means something like “sleep attack”.

What is narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that changes  the sleep-wake cycle. The classic symptoms are severe daytime sleepiness and sudden insomnia that cannot be stopped.

It is very difficult for those affected  to stay awake for hours in a row, regardless of where they are. Therefore, this disease has a very serious impact on the quality of life of patients.

In some cases, there is a sudden loss of muscle tone, which is known by specialists as cataplexy. An intense emotion can be the trigger, for example. But it doesn’t always happen because  there are different types of narcolepsy.

There is no cure or specific treatment for this disease. However, various medications can help control sudden attacks. Changes in lifestyle can also have a positive effect. Social and psychological support is also very important for narcolepsy patients.

Characteristics of the disease

The main characteristics of narcolepsy are:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness. The alertness and the ability to concentrate are reduced. This is usually one of the first signs to appear. Then there is a sleep attack.
• Cataplexies. As mentioned earlier, there is not always a sudden loss of muscle tone. The intensity can also vary.
• Sleep paralysis. It is the temporary inability to move or speak. This often occurs when falling asleep or waking up, and these are usually brief episodes.

• Altered REM sleep cycles. REM sleep is deep and can usually be identified by rapid eye movements. Narcolepsy patients can fall into this sleep phase at any time, including during the day.
• Hallucinations. Hypnagogic hallucinations arise before sleep; hypnopompic hallucinations on waking. They can be very lively and terrible.

People with narcolepsy may also have other sleep disorders, such as obstructive apnea, fragmented sleep, or restless legs syndrome. It seems paradoxical,  but you can actually suffer from insomy (insomnia).

Types and forms of narcolepsy

According to the criteria of DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), five different types and forms of narcolepsy are differentiated:

• Narcolepsy due to hypocretin deficiency without cataplexy: In this case there is a deficiency in the hormone orexin or hypocretin. This protein influences the functions of nerve cells. Its main job is to control the wake-sleep cycle.
• Narcolepsy without hypocretin deficiency with cataplexy:  In this case, there is sudden muscle weakness on both sides of the body. Around 5 percent of narcolepsy patients suffer from it, but this symptom has not been adequately researched.
• Autosomal cerebellar ataxia, deafness, and narcolepsy:  This type is caused by a DNA mutation. Ataxia is a motor coordination disorder that affects voluntary movement and can also affect functions such as swallowing, speaking, and seeing. It usually only occurs in old age and causes dementia as the disease progresses.

• Autosomal dominant narcolepsy, obesity and type 2 diabetes: in this case there is a mutation in the oligodendrocytes. These are cells that influence the formation of myelin. This substance improves the speed of signal transmission between nerve cells and, if there is a deficiency, it also affects mobility.
• Secondary narcolepsy:  In this case, sleeping sickness is caused by another condition. Examples are sarcoid or Whipple’s disease. Both destroy the cells that produce hypocretin.

Any form of narcolepsy requires therapy

While there is no cure for this disease,  there are several treatment options available. These medicines allow those affected to lead almost normal lives. Lifestyle changes are also very important. In addition, those affected need social and psychological support.