Conditions like narcolepsy can have a significant impact on one’s quality of life, especially as it can interfere with daily activities at school, work, or social activities. At The Sleep Center of Northwest Georgia in Dalton, Georgia, our sleep specialist and board-certified professional in sleep medicine, Dr. Naseer A. Humayun, provides quality care for new and established patients who have been diagnosed with narcolepsy. This condition is often misunderstood, causing many to ask questions about the condition and what can happen if a narcoleptic patient is awakened during a sleep spell. Let’s look at this condition, and what to expect in the event you wake up someone with narcolepsy or other common sleeping disorders.
What type of narcolepsy conditions are known?
There are two main types, including type 1 and type 2. Type 1 involves cataplexy, which is the sudden weakness of the muscles triggered by emotions like surprise or laughter. Type 2, on the other hand, does not involve cataplexy but can cause chronic and excessive daytime fatigue. Both can affect normal activities and can have complications and challenges in day-to-day relationships.
What happens if I awaken someone who has narcolepsy?
Dr. Naseer A. Humayun and the team at The Sleep Center of Northwest Georgia understand that others without this condition may have a lot of questions about it and what might happen if an individual is awakened during a sleeping spell. What you can expect upon awakening an individual with narcolepsy will vary depending on various factors, including how deep of a sleep the individual is in, their state of mind, and if they are experiencing any symptoms such as vivid dream-like experiences called hypnagogic hallucinations or cataplexy. Below are just a few things you can expect in this situation:
- Disorientation
- Grogginess
- Emotional reactions
- Risk of sleep attacks
How should I properly awaken an individual with narcolepsy?
Our team in Dalton, Georgia, can talk to family and friends to educate them on how to properly awaken an individual with narcolepsy. These steps may include:
- Approaching the individual gently, avoiding shaking them or calling their name loudly from across a room
- Allowing time for the transition from sleeping to waking up, mitigating confusion and grogginess.
- Giving patience, knowing that it can take a narcoleptic patient longer to awaken and function after being roused from a state of sleep.
How do I find out more about narcolepsy?
Those who interact daily with an individual who has been diagnosed with narcolepsy may have a lot of questions about how to help the other person cope and manage their condition. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with narcolepsy, education on this condition is critical! Call The Sleep Center of Northwest Georgia at (706) 226-2330 to request an upcoming visit to the office at 1420 Mineral Springs Road. Our team serves those in and around the areas of Calhoun, Dalton, and Ringgold, Georgia, and our sleep specialist and board-certified professional in sleep medicine is here to help!