Essay On Narcolepsy

In his article “Narcolepsy,” Jerome M. Siegel discusses the disease and its possible causes. To begin with, Siegel defines the symptoms and problems associated with the disease. Moreover, he states what exactly the disease is, his research into its causes and effects on the nervous system, and the possibility that the narcolepsy may be an autoimmune disease.

Narcolepsy is a sleeping disorder that occurs during the adolescence stage. It is peculiar as it causes the afflicted person to develop a spontaneous sleep cycle during the day. This disorder prompts “sleep attacks” to occur, and can even be accompanied by cataplexy, random muscle failure or really just REM sleep paralysis (Zimbardo, Johnson, Weber,2008, p.109). It can be dangerous as the attacks can be triggered at any time by intense feelings of emotion or a lack of stimulation. This means that in cases such as driving, sexual intercourse, and times of extreme happiness a narcoleptic person could just fall straight into REM sleep (Zimbardo, Johnson, Weber,2008,

Firstly, what is narcolepsy? Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that effects your central nervous system that does not allow the person to have a regulated sleep cycle. A regular person normally has a 90 minute sleep cycle, while a narcoleptic goes straight into REM sleep. Since they go straight into REM sleep, the brain does not have a chance to recover from its constant activities. A narcoleptics

In additions to Yutaka’s claims, a tumor grows in the serum of their spine, which causes part of their body to die and could be due to inflammation. However, his studies done on some patient showed 1 out of 10 patients had a little progress, but still could not control the sleeping disorder.

Imagine if you were in the middle of an important event, such as your own wedding. Your future spouse has already said “I do” and it is your turn. Before the words can escape your lips, you fall asleep. When you finally open your eyes, everyone is staring in confusion at you, but you have no recollection of what just happened. You have no idea that you fell asleep. This is a realistic situation for a person suffering from Narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a chronic brain disorder that involves poor control over sleep-wake cycles. It is characterized by microsleep episodes over which the sufferer has no control. One in three thousand people are affected by Narcolepsy in America so this is not a rare disorder, contrary to what the majority of people believe. Narcolepsy is a lifelong disorder with no

"Sleep disorders appear to be a global epidemic, affecting up to 45% of the world's population" (Noor, et al n.p.). That’s leaving a 55% chunk of the world’s population not affected. More than 70 million people in our nation experience sleep disorders, most of whom are unaware of the impact on their daily life (Wells,Vaughn 234). Due to a large portion of people being unaware of sleep disorders’ impaction, the number continuously increases. Major sleep disorders are known to be Rapid Eye Movement(REM), Insomnia, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea(OSA). Over 80 medically recognized sleep disorders exist with insomnia, sleep apnea, snoring, jet lag, shift work, sleepwalking and restless legs syndrome being some of the most common (Wells, Vaughn

Narcolepsy is a chronic brain disorder that involves poor control of sleep-wake cycles. Narcolepsy typically affects patients in their teenage years or in their 20’s. Sometimes patients are diagnosed in their 40’s or 50’s. In severe cases patients are prone to falling asleep with little or no warning. These are known as sleep attacks.

Other factors that may also decrease episodes or severity of narcolepsy include diet, exercise and reduction in anxiety and depression. Furthermore, there is substantial evidence for the use of certain medications in narcolepsy. Although these medications hold risk the benefits outweigh the risks. For example, Methylphenidate can improve

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is considered to be weakness and rapid fatigue of any of the muscles that you are able to control. It is caused by a breakdown in the usual communication between nerves and muscles. Narcolepsy is a continuing sleep disorder described by overwhelming daytime drowsiness and unexpected attacks of sleep. Many with narcolepsy find it very hard to stay awake for long amount of time, regardless of the environments.

While researching the topic of sleep paralysis I learned that it is not a new kind of disorder, brought on by cell phones, smog, or global warming- it has been around for centuries. Sleep paralysis was once attributed to “evil” presences, and it was even referred to as “old hag” in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. I learned that, in most cases, it is simply a sign that a person's body is not moving smoothly through sleep (http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-paralysis). Most cases refers to hypnogogic sleep, whereas it happens to me when I am coming out of REM sleep.

Many disorders and diseases can result from abnormal sleeping patterns that are triggered from sleep deprivation. The most common forms of sleep disorders include insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and narcolepsy (NINDS 10). All of these sleep disorders begin from sleep deprivation and can be managed once they are diagnosed correctly. According to Urban, “Nervousness, dizziness, and sleeplessness may occur”, as a result of sleep deprivation (1). This proves that the slightest health changes can occur if sleep deprivation becomes a problem. According to NINDS, “The disorders and the resulting sleep deprivation interfere with work, driving, and social activities” (10). This shows that the effects of being sleep deprived can drastically change one’s everyday

Sleep paralysis is being associated as a side effect with REM sleep abnormalities and sleep disorders, although not all people with such disorders experience sleep paralysis. In the podcast “Peeranormal Episode 06: Sleep Paralysis”, Dr. Michael S. Heiser and co-hosts convince the audience of this through the use of topic specific research cited from several articles, discussing their own opinions, and each co-hosts' personal stories of sleep paralysis.

Sleep paralysis is a common condition with a prevalence of 5-62%, although most affected people have single or infrequent episodes (Dahlitz). Occasionally sleep paralysis is found to run in a family, and it can be associated with other disorders of hypersomnia, such as sleep apnea (Becker 81). Narcolepsy has also been linked with sleep paralysis; both are thought to be REM sleep disorders (Siegel). Gender and race do not seem to be a factor of risk for this disorder. The episodes of sleep paralysis seem to range from ages 5-35 (Dahlitz). The use of anxiolytic medicines, psychiatric disorders and high anxiety can also contribute to sleep paralysis (Larkin).

Sleep… How much is too little? How much is too much? Does it matter when one sleeps? Without the crucial state of rest for both the mind and the body, known as sleep, human beings would be unable to perform everyday skills essential to thriving, such eating, critical thinking, and performing tasks effectively. If one’s sleeping patterns are disturbed on a regular basis, then that person quite possibly might have a sleep disorder. The topic of sleep disorders is complex and extensive due to the fact that various types are diagnosed and recognized. Each type of sleep disorder can affect individuals in its own specific way. A few of the wide range of sleep disorders include: sleep apnea, night terrors, Restless Leg Syndrome, narcolepsy, excessive snoring, insomnia, and many more. Sleep disorders are quite intriguing simply because, no matter the type, two patients might display the same sleep disorder but exhibit differing symptoms. The two types of sleep disorders to be discussed in extent are obstructive sleep apnea and narcolepsy. When one experiences narcolepsy, involving the overwhelming urge to sleep during the day, and sleep apnea, involving the disturbance of one’s breathing patterns, that person can be effected both physically and emotionally.

Sleep disorders alter ones sleep pattern and often results in the inability to either sleep or sleep soundly. They often cause you to feel restless, tired, fatigued, and irritable. It is estimated that nearly 75 percent of adult Americans experience sleep disorder symptoms at least a few nights per week. At the same time, sleep disturbances in some form are seen in as many as 25 to 30 percent of infants and children (“Sleep Disorders” 2013). Clearly a huge conundrum in the world, sleep disorders affect an inordinate amount of people. Millions of people suffer or have suffered from a sleep disorder at one point in their lives and if mistreated can impact organ systems functioning negatively. Physical disturbances, medical issues,