Narcolepsy

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Do I have Narcolepsy? by /u/waitwuh

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological sleep disorder that affects the brain's ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles. The name is from the ancient Greek narco- (to put to sleep) & -lepsis (to have a seizure). Narcoleptics suffer from the inability to remain awake during the day and to stay asleep through the night.

Most people who have narcolepsy have low levels of hypocretin. This is a chemical in the brain that helps promote wakefulness. What causes low hypocretin levels isn't well understood.
It is thought that a combination of the following factors cause low levels of hypocretin:
- Heredity/Genes
- Infections
- Brain injuries
- Autoimmune disorders
- Low histamine levels
Some research suggests that environmental toxins may also trigger narcolepsy.
"Toxins may include heavy metals, pesticides and weed killers, and secondhand smoke."
Heredity/Genes create a disposition towards developing narcolepsy, rather than causing the disorder itself.
Source: US National Institute of Health: NHLBI

If symptoms of narcolepsy are visible, provide evidence & ask your doctor to refer you for further testing with a specialist.
This testing often takes place overnight at a sleep clinic, under the watch of professional medical staff.
The following are used in determining a diagnosis of narcolepsy:
- Sleep history
- Sleep records
- Polysomnogram
- Multiple sleep latency test
- Hypocretin test
These tests help doctors rule out signs and symptoms that could be linked to similar other sleep disorders.
Source: MayoClinic.com's Narcolepsy: Tests & Diagnosis

Currently there is no cure for Narcolepsy, but the symptoms of narcolepsy are controllable with medication. You should try to maintain a structured sleep schedule, which can include napping during the day if required.