Living With Narcolepsy
Overview
Trying to live with your narcolepsy can be hard. But don't lose hope. There are ways to manage it successfully. Here are some tips that can help.
Get enough sleep
First, make sure you're getting enough sleep at night. If you never feel rested, you may need to make time for more sleep at night. Keep your sleep schedule consistent. Make sure your bedroom is as quiet and as comfortable as it can be. Avoid caffeine in the afternoon, and make sure any wake-promoting medications you take aren't interfering with sleep at night.
Take naps
Take naps when you need them. If you're tired at the same time every day, make that your nap time. Fifteen to twenty minutes should make you feel refreshed. If you sleep longer, it can be much harder to wake up and get moving again.
Keep moving
Keep moving. When you sit for long periods, you can get sleepy. So break up your day with short walks and stretches.
Watch what you eat
Heavy meals, especially meals with a lot of carbohydrates, can make you feel sleepy. So you may want to eat smaller meals, and limit your carbs.
Know your triggers
If you experience cataplexy (a sudden loss of muscle control), try to figure out the triggers that cause it to happen. Often, it's linked to strong emotions. Laughter, excitement or stress can cause an attack. So try to avoid these, especially at critical times. Tell others about your condition so they can avoid doing things that may trigger an attack.
Conclusion
If you work with your doctor and follow your care plan, you can learn to manage your narcolepsy successfully.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.