Narcolepsy is a very serious condition that can endanger an individual’s life. Sufferers of this condition will find themselves dropping off to sleep in the middle of a normal activity and are often tired during the day. Such a condition is not due to sloth or keeping late nights, but is a medical issue and can cause the individual much distress.

This condition usually shows up between the ages of 10 and 25. It will rarely affect those who are over the age of 40.

Despite having a good rest at night, intense fatigue and dozing off during the day are signs of this issue. People who suffer from narcolepsy have difficulty focusing on daily tasks due to a constant feeling of being tired. This symptom is troubling enough, but in some cases the sufferer will also have a tendency to suddenly fall asleep, even while performing certain tasks.

This can be very serious and dangerous because it happens with no prior warning. The person has no time to stop doing what they are doing to get prepared. There is no time to remove yourself from a potentially dangerous situation and find a safe place to lie down. It can occur at any instant and so it is life-threatening if you are engaged in activities such as driving or operating heavy machinery.

When these episodes strike, the individual’s length of sleep can range from a few minutes to as long as half an hour. This pattern can repeat itself several times during the course of a day. Often, there are automatic reactions that accompany this issue like a resumption of activities beforen they dozed off. Many people do not remember this behavior after waking up from and episode.

Around 75% of narcolepsy sufferers also experience another symptom called cataplexy. Narcolepsy actually shuts the body down to some extent and muscles cannot be controlled by the individual. It could be anything from trouble speaking to a loss of all muscle control. Some will experience this symptom more often than others. Some report rare instances, while others experience it every day. It has been suggested that there is some link between narcolepsy and swings in moods and emotions such as uncontrollable euphoria or anger.

Narcolepsy can also show up in the form of paralysis, such as can be seen during REM sleep. However, paralysis in such situations occurs when the individual is beginning to fall asleep or is awakening. What is scary about this is that the individual is conscience that it is happening but is powerless to stop it or do anything.

A common sign of narcolepsy is hypnagogic hallucinations. The individual experiences very real images when he is in a state of half-consciousness. 25% to 50% of those with this condition tend to have such symptoms.

There is still much to learn about what actually causes narcolepsy, but it is believed that genetics plays a role. Having low amounts of a chemical called hypocretin, which is needed to awaken sleep, can be a possible reason.

By: Moses Wright

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Insomnia, defined as trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, is a common problem. Insomnia can occur in people of all ages. Most individuals just experience a night or two of poor sleep, but sometimes the sleep disturbance can last for weeks, months, or even years. Insomniacs typically complain of being unable to close their eyes or “rest their mind” for more than a few minutes at a time. Insomnia is most common among women and older adults. Transient insomnia lasts from one night to a few weeks. Most people occasionally suffer from transient insomnia due to such causes as jet lag or short-term anxiety. Acute insomnia is the inability to consistently sleep well for a period of between three weeks to six months. Chronic insomnia is regarded as the most serious; persists almost nightly for at least a month. Most adults have experienced insomnia or sleeplessness at one time or another in their lives. Insomnia is a common problem that may be temporary or chronic. An estimated 30-50% of the general population are affected by insomnia, and 10% have chronic insomnia. Stress most commonly triggers short-term or acute insomnia.

Most people over 70 need less than 6 hours sleep per night; and they tend to be light sleepers. Insomnia is a common problem that may be temporary or chronic. As many as one in 10 Americans have chronic insomnia, and at least one in four has difficulty sleeping sometimes. But that doesn’t mean you have to just put up with sleepless nights. Some simple changes in your daily routine and habits may result in better sleep. Insomnia affects all age groups. Among older adults, insomnia affects women more often than men. The incidence increases with age. Stress most commonly triggers short-term or acute insomnia. Chronic insomnia can lead to mental health problems such as depression, or misuse of alcohol or other medicines in order to gain sleep. Newborn babies can sleep for 16 hours a day, while children of school age need an average of 10 hours. Adults usually need, on average, 7 to 9 hours sleep a night. As we get older, its normal to need less sleep.

Insomnia that lasts for less time is known as short-term or acute insomnia.Insomnia affects all age groups. Among older adults, insomnia affects women more often than men. The incidence increases with age. Insomnia is the perception or complaint of inadequate or poor-quality sleep. Insomnia may cause problems during the day, such as tiredness, a lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. Insomnia can be classified as transient (short term), intermittent (on and off), and chronic (constant). Insomnia lasting from a single night to a few weeks is referred to as transient. Insomnia may be a symptom of magnesium deficiency, or lower magnesium levels. A healthy diet containing magnesium, can help to improve sleep in individuals without an adequate intake of magnesium. Short-acting benzodiazepines or the newer hypnotic ‘Z medicines’ are the current preferred medicines for insomnia and are only available on prescription. Benzodiazepines are tranquillisers and are designed to reduce anxiety and promote calmness, relaxation and sleep.

Insomnia Treatment Tips

1. Using aromatherapy, including jasmine oil, lavender oil, Mahabhringaraj and other relaxing essential oils, may also help induce a state of restfulness.

2. Relaxation techniques such as meditation have been shown to help people sleep.

3. Traditional Chinese medicine has included treatment for insomnia.

4. A healthy diet containing magnesium, can help to improve sleep in individuals without an adequate intake of magnesium.

5. Melatonin has proved effective for some insomniacs in regulating the sleep/waking cycle.

6. Avoid or limit your use of caffeine (coffee, tea, sodas, chocolate), decongestants, alcohol and tobacco.

7. Exercise more often, but don’t exercise within a few hours before going to bed.

8. Behavioral treatments teach you new sleep behaviors and ways to make your sleeping environment more conducive to sleep.

9. Antidepressant trazodone (Desyrel) also may help with insomnia.

8. Avoid or limit tea, coffee, chocolate, and cold remedies containing caffeine.

9. Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking as these are also stimulants.



By: Juliet Cohen

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