Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a debilitating sleep disorder that may begin at any age. One of the characteristic symptoms of narcolepsy is excessive yawning, a condition that can interfere with an individual’s ability to function optimally. Unfortunately, the early signs and symptoms of narcolepsy are common to other medical conditions; hence this condition usually remains undiagnosed for many years.
Symptoms of narcolepsy can be divided into two main categories: excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and cataplexy. Excessive daytime sleepiness is, as the name suggests, an overwhelming feeling of fatigue and sleepiness that occurs during the day. This fatigue is not relieved by taking a nap and can interfere with a person’s ability to function at work, school, or home. On the other hand, cataplexy is a sudden and transient loss of muscle tone that can occur in response to emotions such as laughter, anger, or fear. Cataplexy attacks can range from mild muscle weakness to complete paralysis, lasting for a few seconds to several minutes.
Many people with narcolepsy find that medications, such as stimulants, can help them stay awake during the day. With proper treatment, people with narcolepsy can live normal, healthy lives.
