At The Sleep Center of Northwest Georgia, Dr. Naseer A. Humayun and his team offer services for patients who are struggling with conditions such as narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a type of sleeping disorder that can cause patients to experience severe fatigue and even sudden and unexpected events of sleep. Not only does it significantly impact one’s quality of life, but it can interfere with daily activities including school, work, and social situations. When you understand the signs of narcolepsy, you can improve your chances of getting a definitive, accurate diagnosis and discuss with a sleep specialist the benefits of treatment. But what are the signs of narcolepsy? Dr. Naseer A. Humayun takes time to talk to patients about the five signs of narcolepsy that often lead to a more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment solutions.
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Excessive daytime sleepiness
Excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue is one of the most prominent signs of having a condition such as narcolepsy. While it is not uncommon for us to have times where we are more tired than normal, chronic fatigue may be an indication that narcolepsy is present. It can impact one’s daily functioning severely, causing inability to concentrate, poor memory, and lower functioning at school or work.
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Cataplexy
Cataplexy is best described as the loss of muscle tone that is triggered by very strong emotions. These episodes can be brief, from a few seconds to several minutes, but patients are unable to speak or move.
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Sleep Paralysis
Sleep paralysis can occur to anyone but is often an indication that narcolepsy is present when paired with other symptoms. This condition causes patients to have the inability to move or speak when falling asleep or waking up, and is often seen alongside pressure on the chest. These episodes can be very scary for patients who experience them regularly.
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Hallucinations
Patients with narcolepsy may experience hallucinations that occur right before sleep or after waking. These hallucinations are called hypnagogic (when falling sleep) and hypnopompic (when wakening).
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Disrupted sleep during the night
Even with daytime sleepiness, patients with narcolepsy may still experience difficulty getting the sleep they need each night. They may find it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or even experience continued awakenings throughout the night. This adds to the fatigue that carries into the following day, keeping patients at a sleep deficit that does not allow them to function at their best at school, work, or in their personal relationships.
Do you suspect that you might have narcolepsy?
If you reside in or around Northwest Georgia and are concerned that you have narcolepsy, getting a definitive diagnosis and seeking treatment are strongly encouraged to ensure your health and safety. Call (706) 226-2330 or text (706) 226-2331 to request a consultation appointment with Dr. Naseer A. Humayun and his team at our sleep center in Dalton, Georgia. Our sleep specialist can provide you with the diagnosis you need and the treatment you require to treat this sleeping disorder and improve your quality of life! The office is located at 1420 Mineral Springs Road in Dalton, Georgia and is open to new and returning patients.