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5 Mistakes Adults with ADHD Make at Work

by Annie Barraza

The workplace can be a difficult place for adults with ADHD. Lack of focus, procrastination, lateness, and disorganization are common signs of ADHD in adults. All create problems on a day to day basis at work. According to a study completed in 2003, adults with ADHD were much more apt to have problems than their non-ADHD counterparts. The study showed:

  • About 44 percent of adults with ADHD reported some behavioral problem at work as compared to less than 3 percent of those without ADHD
  • Over 17 percent of adults with ADHD have been fired from a job at some point in their careers as opposed to less than 4 percent of non-ADHDers
  • Approximately one-third of adults with ADHD have quit at least one job because of boredom as compared to 15 percent of those without ADHD
  • A little over 17 percent of adults with ADHD felt compelled to quit a job because of hostility in the workplace, as compared to less than 5 percent of those without ADHD
  • Around 11 percent of adults with ADHD have been disciplined by their boss as compared to less than 1 percent of non-ADHDers

What is an adult with ADHD to do? Many try to work harder, take more work on to prove themselves, or end up sacrificing other areas of their life to focus on their jobs. The following are five mistakes adults with ADHD often make when trying to improve work performance.

1. Trying to conform.

One of the positive traits of ADHD includes thinking outside the box. That means you often have a new or unique way of doing things. Trying to accomplish tasks according to a non-ADHDer’s instructions often doesn’t work. Whenever possible, adapt tasks to your way of learning and accomplishing. Revise procedures to work with your thinking and learning style. If you have a job where tasks must be completed in a certain way, use mnemonics, lists, or other reminder systems to help you follow along with the procedures.

2. Trying to work harder.

From the time you were in grade school, you might have heard things like, “not trying hard,” or “not living up to potential.” You have it ingrained in you that if you just try harder, you can do it. However, working harder isn’t usually the answer. It makes you exhausted and more prone to burn-out.

3. Trying to do it all.

You might believe that you must prove that you can do the work, that you must accomplish just as much, if not more, than your non-ADHD counterparts. You are afraid to ask for help because you think others will say, “See, he can’t do it.” You come in early, stay late, work through lunch, and frustrate yourself trying to keep up. This often makes the situation worse because of the added stress. Instead, talk to your boss, explain exactly what you need help with and why this help is beneficial to you and the company.

4. Giving up other parts of your life to make the job part work.

It might take you longer to complete a project or task than it does for those without ADHD. You want to do a good job and want to focus on your work. You give up other parts of your life, such as your social life or time for yourself. Unfortunately, “all work and no play” frequently ends up with you tired, irritable, and lonely. No matter how demanding your job is, schedule time each week to get together with friends and family, spend quality time with your partner and children, and do something you enjoy. Those with a balance of work and play are usually more satisfied with their lives.

5. Not writing down information.

Deficits in short-term memory are an ongoing problem for adults with ADHD. You think, “I will remember that,” only to forget it a few minutes later. You might worry that you will become distracted or lose your momentum if you stop what you are doing to write down information. But not writing down information often leads to problems later. Instead, keep your phone, tablet, or pen and paper handy at all times to jot down notes and miscellaneous information. You can take time later to put the information in the proper place, such as your calendar, but take the first step and get it written down.

CategoriesADHD,  Narcolepsy

Types of Narcolepsy: What You Might Not Know About The Different Types of Narcolepsy in an Overview

by Annie Barraza

Narcolepsy is an intrusive sleeping disorder that is currently affecting around 200,000 American people. Narcolepsy is one of medical science’s most unique sleeping disorders. Not only is Narcolepsy itself an odd and interesting disorder, it comes as a package deal with various other unique medical problems like Cataplexy, hallucinations, Automatic Behavior, and even Sleep Paralysis. Patients who have been diagnosed with the disorder should learn about all types of Narcolepsy, and undiagnosed patients who may be suffering should study Narcolepsy and its different types.

The Different Types of Narcolepsy

Technically, there are not different types of Narcolepsy. Unlike other sleep disorders like Sleep Apnea, there is not a central and an obstructive classification. Narcolepsy is the same in all patients who suffer from its symptoms. The disorder is defined as the uncontrollable urge to sleep at inappropriate times during the day; this is absolutely true in all patients with Narcolepsy, so technically, there is one medically recognized type of the disorder.

More often than not, however, most Narcolepsy patients experience at least one or more complicated disorders in addition to their Narcolepsy. The majority of narcoleptics also suffer from one of the following four complications: Cataplexy, Hypnagogic Hallucinations, Automatic Behavior, and Sleep Paralysis.

Narcolepsy with Cataplexy

Only three million people in the entire world suffer from some type/degree of Narcolepsy. Out of those three million people, only two percent also suffer from Cataplexy. Cataplexy is thought to be unique to Narcolepsy patients, and is often one of the disorder’s primary identifiers; it is often associated with other Narcolepsy symptoms like Sleep Paralysis and hallucinations.

Cataplexy is defined as the sudden loss of muscle tone and strength coupled with severe daytime sleepiness. The sudden loss of muscle strength can be mild or severe. In mild Cataplexy episodes, there may only be a small portion of muscle on the body that becomes paralyzed. In opposition, severe episodes of Cataplexy can leave the entire body unable to move or speak for several minutes at a time. These sudden changes in muscle tone are often triggered by the patient’s witnessing of a strong emotional response.

Laughter, crying, and shouting are some of the most common triggers in people with this type of Narcolepsy.

Cataplexy is extremely dangerous, and is one the leading causes for accidents, especially automobile accidents. Because Narcolepsy patients are unable to determine when an episode of Cataplexy will occur, there Cataplexy victims often live in constant fear of witnessing a trigger and embarrassing themselves in public.

Narcolepsy with Hallucinations

Unlike the rare Cataplexy, this type of Narcolepsy is extremely common. Patients who suffer from Narcolepsy are at a high risk for experiencing Hypnagogic Hallucinations; in fact, hallucinations are one of the disorder’s most commonly recognizable symptoms. Where Cataplexy is only present in two percent of all Narcolepsy patients across the world, as many as fifty percent of all narcoleptics are thought to suffer from Hypnagogic Hallucinations.

There are two main types of hallucinations: Hypnagogic Hallucinations and Hypnopompic Hallucinations. Hypnagogic Hallucinations occur during the transitional period that takes place when the brain is shifting from a place of wakefulness to one of sleep. Hypnopompic Hallucinations, on the other hand, are the opposite; these hallucinations occur when the body is shifting from a place of sleep to one of wakefulness. Hypnagogic Hallucinations are seen in this type of Narcolepsy, and can be extremely vivid.

Patients who also suffer from Hypnagogic Hallucinations experience intense dream-like visions when they are falling asleep. Many Hypnagogic Hallucinations incorporate various images that actually present in the sleeper’s environment into vivid hallucinations. These hallucinations can involve the manipulation of the patient’s vision, hearing, sense of touch, sense of balance, and even their ability to move. Many Narcolepsy patients who suffer from the hallucinations describe them as bizarre, and even frightening. Because the hallucinations are so realistic, patients become afraid of them; many patients even fear the hallucinations as a sign of mental instability.

Narcolepsy with Automatic Behavior

One of the most interesting, and consequently dangerous, types of Narcolepsy includes symptoms of Automatic Behavior. Often confused with sleep walking, Automatic Behavior refers to the continuation of an activity that was taking place while before falling asleep after falling asleep. In many cases, Automatic Behavior occurs when patients with this type of Narcolepsy attempt to fight off sleepiness in an effort to complete an activity. For example, patients who suffer from this type of Narcolepsy may suddenly fall asleep while washing the dishes. Instead of dropping the plate they were holding when they suddenly fell asleep, patients with Automatic behavior continue washing the plate as if they remained awake.

Although Narcolepsy patients with Automatic Behavior continue performing the activity while unconscious, they have absolutely no memory of the even upon wakening; the event is out of conscious control. Unconscious periods of continued behavior can last anywhere from a few short seconds to as long as half an hour. Patients who experience this unique disorder often wake up in strange places disoriented and frightened. Automatic Behavior becomes a serious and dangerous problem when it occurs during dangerous activities like driving or cooking.

Automatic Behavior, also called automatism, is not unique to Narcolepsy types. It is a common symptom of many different psychiatric and neurological disorders. Schizophrenia and Fugue are common psychiatric disorders that are associated with Automatic behavior.

Narcolepsy with Sleep Paralysis

Although it is possible to see symptoms of Sleep Paralysis in patients plagued with disorders other than Narcolepsy, Sleep Paralysis is most commonly associated with this form of Narcolepsy. In addition to Cataplexy and hallucinations, Sleep Paralysis, which can also be called Isolated Sleep Paralysis, completes the trio of famous Narcolepsy identifiers (in addition to daytime sleepiness, of course).

Narcoleptics who suffer from Sleep Paralysis experience periods on paralysis, either when going to sleep or upon wakening. During an attack of Sleep Paralysis, the victim is completely unable to move voluntarily, and must wait for the attack to pass. Although Sleep Paralysis is passing, and not physically harmful, it can still be terrifying and stressful to try and deal with on top of Narcolepsy’s other problems and complications.

CategoriesADHD,  Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy Treatment and Drugs

by Annie Barraza

Narcolepsy is a sleep illness that affects the lives of over three million people in the world today. This illness knows no color or class. It is found in both the rich and the poor. Some of the aspects of narcolepsy can be dangerous to the patients suffering from it and the people around them. Treatment of narcolepsy is a must for anyone who is plagued by this illness.

Narcolepsy treatments come in many forms. Most people, who have narcolepsy sleep disorder, must undergo a comprehensive treatment plan in order to have a chance at a normal life. Ultimately, this means a very rigid schedule is necessary to keep sleep attacks at a minimum and medications are usually needed to control the symptoms of narcolepsy.

Symptoms of Narcolepsy

The symptoms of narcolepsy can range in severity and they can cause a person much stress on a day to day basis. These can be as simple as someone forgetting to take the shopping list to the store with them after they very carefully wrote it. This person may not be a forgetful person, but narcolepsy has a way of causing such small dramas. The following is a list of narcolepsy symptoms and what can stem from them:

  • Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (E.D.S.) – This is when a person has trouble staying awake during the times when they need to be awake. They may fall asleep during a meeting at work, or in worse cases, while driving a vehicle.
  • Cataplexy- This is when a person suddenly a without warning loses muscle control. This can result in falls, which can leave a person seriously injured.
  • Sleep paralysis- This is when a person is aware of their surroundings, but can’t move or speak. This usually happens right when the person is going to sleep, or just as they begin to wake up.
  • Hallucinations- This is when a person sees or hears things that are not there. This is very common in people suffering with sleep paralysis.

Dangerous Aspects of Narcolepsy

Without proper treatment narcolepsy can get out of control and become dangerous to the person suffering with it, as well as the people around them. This can make every day, normal activity a real hassle to those involved, especially if the person with narcolepsy does not involve the people he or she knows by telling them about this condition. A person suffering from narcolepsy may be considered rude or lazy by those not knowing the whole story. This in turn can lead to embarrassment. Here is a list of the life altering aspects associated with narcolepsy symptoms:

  • Cooking can be a real hazard if the person falls asleep even for just a few seconds. This danger includes the stove catching fire and sharp knives causing injury.
  • Driving vehicles and/or operating machinery are already an activity that requires extreme attention in order for it to be safe. Someone with narcolepsy poses an increased risk for fatal injuries, especially if untreated.
  • Schooling can be drastically affected if a person with narcolepsy falls asleep during a lecture. Important information can be lost in just a few seconds.
  • If a person falls asleep on the job, the most likely disciplinary action is termination. A person with narcolepsy risks this situation on a daily basis. If the condition is made known, the employer may be lenient when dealing with situations like this.

Non Medication Narcolepsy Treatments

Treatment for narcolepsy starts at home with the person making a conscious decision to change his or her lifestyle. These changes, in necessity, range from somewhat important to very necessary, depending on the severity of the illness in the person. These changes include, but are not limited to:

  • Better sleeping habits
  • Avoid night time work
  • Scheduled naps during the day time
  • Involve friends, family, and co-workers
  • Improved diet
  • Avoid drugs, alcohol, nicotine, and over the counter medications that promote drowsiness
  • Keep a sleep journal handy at all times
  • Wear a medical bracelet to alert others of the condition
  • Seek counseling

These lifestyle changes combined with narcolepsy treatment drugs can provide anyone suffering with narcolepsy with a more normal life. These changes all must start with the person saying “I can change for the betterment of my life”.

Medical Treatments for Narcolepsy

Most of the time, narcolepsy is misdiagnosed due to the lack of medical history in a person. This could result in the prescribed medications being the wrong ones. Trial and error is usually the only thing that can be done in the beginning of narcolepsy drug treatment. Here is a list of types of drugs commonly used in the treatments of narcolepsy.

  • Stimulants- These are very common types of drugs used to promote wakefulness. Stimulants should be taken carefully, due to the side effects. Patients suffering from any psychiatric ailments should avoid stimulants.
  • Antidepressants- These are used to treat cataplexy and hallucinations due to sleep paralysis.
  • Sodium Oxybate- This is used to promote very peaceful sleep. This type of drug has to be taken carefully in several doses for it to work properly. It reduces E.D.S. and works to prevent cataplexy attacks.

Usually patients with narcolepsy need more than one of these types of drugs for the effects to be successful in their treatment. Narcolepsy drugs, as with any drugs, need time to build themselves up in the person for the treatment to be of benefit to him or her.

Narcolepsy Drug Treatment-Specific Drugs

Some common stimulants used to stimulate the central nervous system are:

  • Provigil
  • Ritalin
  • Concerta

Some common antidepressants used to treat cataplexy and hallucinations are:

  • Prozac
  • Zoloft
  • Sarafem
  • Effexor

Some older tricyclic antidepressants include:

  • Vivactil
  • Tofranil

These two drugs aren’t as common due to the side effect they produce, although they are considered by doctors to be very effective in controlling cataplexy.

The most common version of sodium oxybate is:

  • Xyrem

Xyrem has to be taken with absolute, extreme care. This drug has been called the “date rape drug” due to the intense deep sleep it can induce. This drug is also not like the other narcolepsy drugs, because it is a liquid instead of a pill. The doses have to be taken in multiples over a period of hours for Xyrem to work properly. Too much at one time can cause coma or even death.

Check with your local clinic for more information on how to manage insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy and other hypersomnias.  There may be a guide available with narcolepsy health information or a list of available treatments and drugs.

CategoriesADHD,  Narcolepsy

Challenges and Practices in Narcolepsy Diagnosis

by Annie Barraza

Even though disease, Narcolepsy can be identified positively through physical observation, physicians are still misdiagnosing patients. Misdiagnosis happens especially when dealing with those that have psychological problems.  Clinical evidence suggest that tests on a patient’s cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) can nearly confirm Narcolepsy, as 90% of Narcoleptics tested in studies have shown to have no hypocretin-1 in their CSF.

Often doctors will rely on symptom reporting by patients, questionnaires, testing sleep latencies in patients, and monitoring a patient as he/she sleeps and may not test the patient’s CSF before starting therapy.  Doctors can however be firm in their diagnosis by observing the presence of nearly all Narcolepsy symptoms together in a patient.  The confirmation of cataplexy, for example confirms a patient has Narcolepsy, as it is unique to Narcolepsy.

Diagnosis and treatment of Narcolepsy is somewhat standardized but methods and drugs vary from patient to patient most of the time.  Upon diagnosis doctors usually choose to prescribe two frontline medications (modafinil, sodium oxybate).  Both of these drugs are habit forming and sodium oxybate can be very dangerous.  For this reason the process of diagnosis may take some time because the doctor wants to be sure of his diagnosis before prescribing it.

Most patients do not receive their Narcolepsy diagnosis until ten to fifteen years after the first symptoms start appearing. For a doctor to make a correct narcolepsy diagnosis they must take into consideration the patient’s family and medical history. This includes the medications the patient is taking and any even what the person eats regularly. Diagnosing narcolepsy becomes easy when the patient exhibits all major narcolepsy symptoms listed below:

  1. Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and an urge to take frequent naps during the day. These daytime naps must happen every day for six months at least in order for it to be considered as solid basis for narcolepsy diagnosis. Diagnosing narcolepsy is common in young adults and adolescents; bringing the problem to their attention when they suddenly fall asleep at school or at work. Sometimes, patients also experience insomnia but the majority of time a narcoleptic will have no issue falling asleep and entering almost directly into REM sleep.

  2. Cataplexy or sudden muscle weakness and loss of muscle control and tone, causing the patient to stop motor activity.

  3. Visual or auditory hypnagogic hallucinations that occur right before falling asleep.

  4. The inability to move upon awakening, or sleep paralysis.

However, narcolepsy diagnosis that’s based solely on symptoms can be problematic for several reasons. One reason is that some patients that receive a Narcolepsy diagnosis often seek medical advice for just one symptom (frequently hypnagogic hallucinations or sleep paralysis) which could be caused by other similar disorders; epilepsy in particular. Another reason for the difficulty in the diagnosis of narcolepsy is that the symptoms do not always become apparent to anyone for several years. This is true for the patient himself and even to a skilled observer. In certain cases, a patient is required to consult specialists in the field, or get treated and monitored at a sleep disorder clinic for a more effective treatment for Narcolepsy and to confirm that a patient does indeed have Narcolepsy.

Questionnaires for Diagnosing Narcolepsy

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is one of the questionnaires for sleeping habits that a doctor can administer to get a more reliable narcolepsy diagnosis. The ESS makes use of simple questions in measuring excessive sleepiness; differentiating it from the normal sleepiness we usually feel in the daytime. See figure 02-01a for the test.

Figure 02-01a: The Epworth Sleepiness Scale

*Note this test varies slightly with different results analysis.

   

Situations

 Chance of Dozing0-none1-slight chance2-moderate chance3-high chance
Sitting and reading Indicate score (0-3)
Sitting inactively in public places Indicate score (0-3)
As a car passenger for one whole hour without any breaks Indicate score (0-3)
Watching television Indicate score (0-3)
Sitting and talking to someone Indicate score (0-3)
Sitting quietly after lunch (without alcohol) Indicate score (0-3)
In a car stuck for a few minutes in traffic Indicate score (0-3)
Lying down for an afternoon rest when circumstances allow Indicate score (0-3)
Show Results 1 – 6: Getting enough sleep7 – 8: Tends to be sleepy but is average9 – 15: Very sleepy and must seek medical advice. Over 16: Dangerously sleepy

Multiple Sleep Latency Tests

MSLT or multiple sleep latency tests can also help in making an accurate Narcolepsy diagnosis. The MSLT makes use of a device that can measure the time a patient takes to fall completely asleep during the day while lying inside a quiet room. Patients are asked to take 4-5 scheduled naps that are 2 hours apart. People with healthy sleeping habits usually fall asleep in 10-20 minutes. However, patients with a diagnosis of Narcolepsy show a significantly shorter time duration; approximately less than eight minutes, when moving from wakefulness to sleep. At least two of these naps are REM sleeps; the sleep state associated with dreaming. Still, the test has its limitations. There is no clear definition which abnormal results are proven to be basis for diagnosing narcolepsy. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale might be more precise in identifying narcolepsy from regular daytime sleepiness.

Polysomnography

Polysomnography is a study of an overnight sleep that can prove valuable in determining the major cause of sleepiness. A patient, without changing any of his daily habits, goes to the sleep centre two hours before bedtime. Various devices are used to monitor the patient while he sleeps:

  1. The ECG or electrocardiogram monitors the patient’s heart
  2. The EEG or electroencephalogram monitors the brain’s electrical activity
  3. The Electrooculogram monitors the eye movements
  4. The Electromyogram monitors muscle movements

With these instruments, doctors can record a patient’s condition, and monitor activity as their patients pass, or fail passing, through the stages of sleep. Neuroimaging methods can also be used in studying or confirming physiological sleep theories and discovering new relevant information about neurobiological aspects of the human sleep, memory and dreams. A few studies in neuroimaging focus on subjects suffering from narcolepsy and other sleep disorders.

Narcolepsy Diagnosis and Narcolepsy Treatments are carefully adapting with new findings.  Newer drugs are replacing older ones and doctors are diagnosing patients with better confidence. With proper diagnosis Narcolepsy symptoms can be treated quickly and nearly all signs and symptoms of the neurological disorder can be substantially reduced.

CategoriesADHD,  Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy Diet and Food Habits Effect on Narcolepsy

by Annie Barraza

What is Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a disease that causes serious sleeping disorders to rise to the surface. At any time (especially during the day) narcolepsy victims experience sleep attack. Irrespective of time and place the sleep attack creates an embarrassing situation. Most Narcolepsy patients are depressed and hesitate to join in at any social or family events. This sleeping disorder can be threat for their professional life too. However, with more improved medical treatments and other therapies it is quite easy to heal diseases like cancer and others. Just a few changes in lifestyle and other practices can dramatically help to restore normalcy in a patient’s life.

Find out if you really suffer from Narcolepsy

A Narcoleptic patient has to go through two different levels of testing. This is the basic diagnosis of Narcolepsis. At the first level you go through a kind of Sonography. Polysogram is the first level. During this test more than two dozen electrodes are attached to different part of the body like nose, hand, abdomen and others. They transfer data to polysonogrph that records all the information. This helps the experienced professionals to diagnose the disease properly.

In the second level, the test will be on MLST or multiple sleep latency. This particular tool is used to record the time gap of daytime naps.

If you experience the effects of a sleeping disorder frequently, don’t ignore those symptoms. Often people consider them as general symptoms and later face severe difficulties in personal and professional life. When you have the option to prevent it, then why not start as soon as possible.

Take care of your food habits

For Narcoleptics, it is not good to drink alcohol. It is kind of depressant that weakens the nervous system and creates feelings of drowsiness. Therefore, for better sleep when it is an appropriate time to do so, it is best to avoid alcohol or any nicotine.

There are several side effects of sleepless nights. If you are not able to sleep properly at night, you won’t be able to work properly or concentrate on anything; this can result in other serious symptoms. Good sleep can enhance the working capacity of your brain. Thus don’t suppress it with alcohol or other intoxicants and try to sleep peacefully at night.

Not only does alcohol or caffeine affect sleep, but there are also specific dietary habits that can have a long-term effect on your sleep. Your food habits require changes if you experience sleeping disorder symptoms on a frequent basis. High protein or high-energy foods are good for those who suffer from the condition. It is also best to avoid junks or spicy food. This type of food affects the metabolism and the digestive system of your body and can result in Narcolepsy attacks. Try to eat a heavy meal at least five hours before you go to sleep. Don’t exercise after a heavy meal. If you can walk for fifteen or twenty minutes after your meals, it would definitely help you to sleep well at night. Drink water after an hour or two of eating food. You can also consult a nutritionist to get suggestions on a better, more helpful diet.

Many Narcoleptic people wake up at night to have something and they can’t sleep again until they eat. This is why majority of Narcoleptics end up gaining weight. When they wake up between sleep cycles, they are totally oblivious what had happened before. Still, a clue from the kitchen can help them to remember the whole scenario. It is not that they are hungry or they have the appetite to eat something. People facing this issue should try to stay away from food when they don’t need it. It won’t be very easy to avoid it at an advanced stage. Often you will fail to control the situation. Still if you try it now, you are bound to succeed once a positive habit has been formed.

Change your sleeping habit

As it is has been said earlier, sleeping disorders are the primary symptom of Narcolepsy. To prevent sleep attacks, a good, deep sleep at night is very important. After a certain time at night, forget all your office works or any other issues, no matter how important they are. If you want a productive morning, utilize the night. Try to sleep and awake at the same time every day. Sleep in dark and quiet room. For better sleep, try something that relaxes you. Drinking lukewarm milk or bathing in a warn tub before going to bed are some things worth mentioning. Narcolepsy patients can’t sleep for a long time at a stretch. In order to sleep properly, take a break of twenty minute. If it still doesn’t work, then read some books or magazines until you feel sleepy.

A daytime nap is good relief for Narcoleptics. Plan your daytime schedule so that you can get at least 15 to 20 minutes to take a nap. To avoid sleeping frequently during office hours, daytime napping is the best alternative, and some work environments may even have areas that would be convenient and discreet for taking a quick catnap while on break.

Regular exercise is good for Narcoleptics

Don’t forget to exercise regularly. It is well known that many Narcoleptics have been helped by yoga and other exercise forms. If you find it difficult to exercise, a brisk walk in the morning can be of great help. Exercise or walking increases the body strength and improves the metabolism of your body. Thus you can remain active during the day and enjoy a sound sleep at night.

Narcolepsy is not an incurable disease. If you can change your lifestyle, you can soon come out of it and you can also go for medication and natural therapies to get added relief. There are several holistic practices available that can help too. No matter what method you follow, practice it properly. Listen to what your doctor or mentor or nutritionist advises you, and don’t try to do it all on your own.

CategoriesADHD,  Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy Research – Reaching for a Cure

by Annie Barraza

Narcolepsy is a very serious, chronic sleep disorder that affects one in every two thousand people in the United States alone. Worldwide, the estimates of people living with the symptoms of narcolepsy reach over three million. Research on narcolepsy is among the top in all medical research fields, due to the seriousness of this condition. A better understanding of narcolepsy will ultimately lead to better understanding of other sleep disorders, which is why so much attention has been drawn towards narcolepsy research.

To research narcolepsy accurately, scientist not only do laboratory sleep studies, but they also depend on the information provided by the patients themselves. By keeping journals or recording episodes that occur, a patient can help researchers discover side effects of medications, episode time frames and so on. Unfortunately, this side of the research is needed, but since correct diagnosis is hard to determine, making it a truly priceless side of the research when it is attained.

Narcolepsy Basics

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder that has two different international classifications: narcolepsy without cataplexy and narcolepsy with cataplexy.

Narcolepsy has four major symptoms: Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS), Sleep Paralysis, Hallucinations and cataplexy.  Although there are several secondary symptoms, these are the classic symptoms seen in most patients.

EDS is pretty straight forward.  Patients with narcolepsy experience a desire to sleep that is so strong it becomes an irresistible need.

Sleep Paralysis is occasionally experienced by a large number of people without narcolepsy.  Narcolepsy patients that have sleep paralysis as a symptom tend to experience it more often.  Sleep paralysis happens in the twilight between the sleep and wake cycles. The mind is not yet asleep but the body undergoes the paralysis that usually comes with REM sleep.  Often, the subject will also experience hallucinations.

Hallucinations are common for the narcoleptic. Hallucination research and narcolepsy research show that narcolepsy patients have a similar amount of hallucinations as patients suffering from schizophrenia but narcoleptic hallucinations tend to be more visual whereas schizophrenics have more auditory hallucinations.

Cataplexy is experienced by seventy percent of narcoleptics. Cataplexy is peculiar to narcolepsy and it is extremely rare to have cataplexy without narcolepsy.

Cataplexy is the sudden loss of control over muscle function. The affected muscles become lax and lose tone.  Cataplexy usually affects the face or neck, but can appear in any muscle group.  In an extreme instance, the entire body can collapse. The oddest and most frightening thing about a cataplexy attack is that the patient remains alert and awake the whole time. Cataplexy is triggered by strong emotions.

Data collected during research and narcolepsy patient information led scientists to give narcolepsy with cataplexy its own diagnosis.

Research on Narcolepsy

In the early 1970’s, Dr. William Dement founded the Stanford University Sleep Clinic, which was the first clinic in history to specialize in sleep disorder studies. This research center was the first to discover that narcolepsy-cataplexy was linked to a deficiency in hypocretin. This research has been proven in both animal subjects and in human subjects. The Stanford Center for Narcolepsy was created in the 1980’s as an extension of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Today, this facility treats hundreds of narcolepsy patients per year, with many patients freely participating in other sleep studies as well. There have been hundreds of articles written on narcolepsy that give credit to the name of this facility for its extensive research of narcolepsy.

Hypocretin Research and Narcolepsy-Cataplexy

The cause of narcolepsy-cataplexy, in ninety percent of cases, is accredited to a lack of hypocretin-1 and hypocretin-2. The cause of narcolepsy without cataplexy remains a mystery. These molecules that are created in the hypothalamus (hypo) have a resemblance to the gut hormone called secretin (cretin), thus named hypocretin. Of the many billions of cells in the brain, only ten to twenty thousand produce hypocretin. The hypothalamus is also responsible for a host of basic functions of the body. It controls hunger, sexual impulses, blood pressure and sleeping. Hypocretin-1 (not hypocretin-2) can be measured in the cerebrospinal fluid, but not by blood or tissue samples. To collect this cerebrospinal fluid, a spinal tap is necessary. Most patients (about 90%) with narcolepsy-cataplexy have a zero percent level of hypocretin-1.

When trying to control the symptoms of narcolepsy, many things need to be considered. First, the proper diagnosis of the condition is critical. Does this case have cataplexy? Hallucinations?  By asking these types of questions, a doctor can more accurately diagnose narcolepsy. Along with extensive questioning, there are tests and studies that can help in the diagnoses.

A nocturnal Polysomnogram is a test performed with electrodes placed on the patients scalp and measures the electrical activity in the brain and in the heart. This test takes place over night at a medical research facility designated by a physician.

A Multiple Sleep Latency Test (M.S.L.T.) is another test used to determine how long it takes a person to fall asleep during t day. The patient is asked to take five naps, each around two hours apart. Patients suffering with narcolepsy usually fall asleep very quickly and enter into R.E.M. sleep almost immediately.

Management of Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy and Research about its behavior has given doctors a few ideas into the treatment and prevention of its symptoms.  If a patient has mild enough symptoms, then a simple change in lifestyle may be all that is required.  More often, drug treatment in the form of stimulants and antidepressants becomes necessary.

Many times, the fact that there is no cure for this disease causes a feeling of helplessness, but with research awareness in narcolepsy, there is hope. With comprehensive management, a patient with narcolepsy can live a relatively normal life.

Narcolepsy Treatments

  • Lifestyle Changes
    • strict bedtimes
    • strategic daytime naps
    • avoid stimulants like coffee
    • make the people in your life aware of your disease
  • Drug Treatment for EDS
    • Stimulants
      • Amphetamines
      • Modafinil
      • Selegiline
  • Drugs for Cataplexy
    • Tricyclic Antidepressants
      • Imipramine
      • Protriptyline
    • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
      • Prozac
      • Paxil
      • Zoloft
    • Sodium oxybate
      • Xyrem
CategoriesADHD,  Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy in Horses is Genetic

by Annie Barraza

Narcolepsy in Horses is Genetic

The idea that horses can have narcolepsy is kind of an inconceivable concept, because narcolepsy is mainly associated with human beings and not with animals. The effect of narcolepsy in horses is much the same as it is in human beings the sleepiness, disorientation, hallucinations, and mood changes, are all evident in horses with narcolepsy.

Horses and Narcolepsy

In horses the most observable trait is that of narcolepsy with cataplexy, the other traits are harder to recognize. The symptoms of narcolepsy are hard to diagnose in a human patient that can tell the physician exactly what is going on and give and extensive medical history, but for animals that is even harder. This disorder is still being examined and studied, but as time goes by the cause still seems to elude physicians as to why narcolepsy has such an effect on the brain. With every new occurrence of narcolepsy showing up in animals physicians are more prone to believe that the brain is similar in more ways than originally thought.

Signs to Look For in Horses for Narcolepsy

  • depression
  • lack of interest in food
  • fatigue
  • moodiness
  • weak muscles

With these signs and symptoms being noticed in horses, even from a young age, this can make a breeder believe that the horse is from bad stock and sometime the owner puts the animal down because of such negative qualities.  Without there being a proper way to diagnose an animal let alone a horse with narcolepsy, many mistakes are made and eventually the animal suffers massively from this disorder. Veterinarians are working on ways to properly diagnose animals that have the narcoleptic symptoms, almost in the same fashion that physicians are working so earnestly to find a way to properly diagnose and treat this disorder.

Some veterinarians are trying experimental medications high-performance liquid chromatography or HPLC has been used in experiments to determine  if the drug will have a negative or positive effect on the horses and if so what dosage and how often should HPLC be used on the horses. Depending on the severity of the narcoleptic symptoms and the weight of the horse that the injection is being given to the HPLC drug can be very effective.

Narcolepsy and horses make a very interesting study the main thing to look for when it comes to the horse species and narcolepsy is constant fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and the unwillingness to do any form of physical activity. With these initial traits being noticed a trainer or owner has a better chance at identifying what is happening to the horse, if not then the horse can cause muscle problems, malnutrition, and could even cause broken bones from falling, or if hallucinating harm other animals and people around them because the animal could be easily spooked. With narcoleptic horses, it can become harder to train them and work with them because of the general lack of interest, and constant fatigue. Horses suffering from narcolepsy have a harder time going about their daily routines and life, without there being a risk to those around them as well as to their selves because of the lack of muscle control when falling asleep or waking up.

Bloodlines

Narcolepsy in horses is rare and often is bred into the horse by the parents that already have the existing narcoleptic gene in their system. Most horses have a form of sleep deprivation caused from over exercise, low food intake, and even missing fellow companions. This sleep disorder is a form of ED or extreme drowsiness, and can be observed when a horse seems to partially collapse and instead of going all the way to the ground and staying there to recuperate from the episode the horse will immediately regain their footing, and the cycle of partially collapsing and regaining their footing will begin all over again. With this occurring muscles can be pulled and harm can also be done to the ligaments in the fore legs and hind quarters.

These injuries can lead to even worse problems in the long run; they can even make a horse come up lame and no longer able to be ridden. Narcolepsy on horses can be just as hard if not even worse due to the fact that when horses sleep they sleep while standing; if they were to lie down for an extended period of time the weight and pressure being exuded could crush internal organs and break bones.

Horses suffering from narcolepsy, like human beings have lapses in time where they fall asleep and their bodies tense up causing a form of sleep paralysis, so if a horse has a cataplectic attack and suffers from a sleep paralysis, and falls then the damage can be irreparable and sometimes even fatal.

The narcolepsy in horses can even cause harm to the owner or person that is riding the horse because if a sudden attack should happen while riding say down a steep mountain side, the rider would be thrown from the saddle and become injured.  So before riding a horse that has all of the symptoms of narcolepsy have it checked out by a veterinarian, to make sure that the horse is properly diagnosed and all safety measurements are taken before training or riding the horse.

While inspecting the horse make sure that it is receiving enough nighttime sleep and is not disturbed, especially if that particular horse is a mare that is about to foal, or give birth. Rest is needed for such a difficult and delicate situation as giving birth for a mare as well as the young colt that is being born. The narcoleptic trait will not be immediately noticeable in new born colts because they require a lot of rest, so even if a young colt is sleeping during the day that does not mean that they have narcolepsy.

The earliest age to begin looking for the narcolepsy trait in a horse is around a year and a half, by then the horse should be healthy enough to withstand going through the day without needing to stop and take a rest. If the symptoms of narcolepsy are there go to your local veterinarian and ask what narcolepsy in horses is? With the help of a vet then the animal will receive the attention and help that is needed to make sure that the animal remains healthy.

CategoriesADHD

What is Narcolepsy?

by Annie Barraza

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that can begin at any age and continues throughout life. It is a sleep disorder, involving irregular patterns in Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, and significant disruptions of the normal sleep/wake cycle.

Onset typically occurs in pre-teens/teens or the early twenties, but can also happen later in life. Narcolepsy is believed to affect approximately 1 in 2,000 people in the United States. It affects both sexes equally and occurs throughout the world, but is underrecognized and underdiagnosed. Once established, narcolepsy is generally stable and can most often be effectively treated. Lifespan is not affected.

Narcolepsy with cataplexy is caused by the destruction of hypocretin-producing cells in the hypothalamus region of the brain. Hypocretin (also known as orexin) is a neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of the sleep/wake cycle as well as other bodily functions (e.g. blood pressure and metabolism). Narcolepsy with cataplexy is an auto-immune disorder. More research is needed to determine the exact triggers behind narcolepsy without cataplexy.

Diagnosis of narcolepsy is usually confirmed in a sleep lab through a series of tests, which typically includes an overnight polysomnogram (PSG or sleep study) to rule out other causes of EDS and detect any unusual REM patterns. The Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MLST), or daytime nap test, follows, which measures the rapidity of sleep onset and how quickly REM sleep follows. The MLST is the most widely accepted diagnostic test for narcolepsy. A blood test is sometimes used to determine if there is a genetic predisposition towards the disorder. Finally, some research facilities measure the level of hypocretin in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This is rare and only used in certain situations.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM V) divides narcolepsy into Narcolepsy Type 1, or narcolepsy with cataplexy, and Narcolepsy Type 2, or narcolepsy without cataplexy.

Symptoms include:

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) is described as a persistent sense of mental cloudiness (brain fog), lack of energy, or extreme exhaustion. It includes daytime sleep attacks that may occur with or without warning and may be uncontrollable, and persistent drowsiness, which can continue for prolonged periods of time. Microsleeps, or fleeting, involuntary moments of sleep that may intrude into the waking state, are also experienced as part of EDS for many people. Naps can help people with narcolepsy (PWNs) feel refreshed for a short period of time before EDS symptoms return.

Cataplexy, the second major symptom of narcolepsy, is nearly unique to the disease. It is a sudden loss of muscle tone, usually triggered by emotions such as laughter, surprise, fear, or anger. Cataplexy occurs while the person is awake and causes feelings of weakness and a loss of voluntary muscle control. Cataplexy may occur more often during times of stress or fatigue. Attacks can involve only a slight feeling of weakness in one part of the body (i.e. sagging facial muscles, nodding head, buckling knees, garbled speech, etc.) or an immediate and total full body collapse. Although someone suffering a severe cataplexy attack may appear unconscious, they are actually awake and alert. Attacks can last from a few seconds up to several minutes. Cataplexy is related to the loss of muscle tone usually associated with dreaming or REM sleep; as protection against acting out one’s dreams, muscles become immobile or paralyzed. In cataplexy, this protection is triggered inappropriately during wakefulness.

Disrupted or fragmented nighttime sleep is sleep disrupted by periods of wakefulness, vivid dreams, sleep talking, and movement. PWNs typically have no difficulty initially falling asleep.

Hypnagogic (during sleep onset) and hypnopompic (during waking) hallucinations are vivid, realistic, and often frightening dreams that occur on the edge of sleep and wakefulness.

Sleep paralysis is the temporary inability to move, occurring in the transition between sleep and wakefulness.

If you think you have narcolepsy, take the Epworth Sleepiness Scale which can help assess daytime sleepiness.

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