Information Literacy – Assignment 2: Narcolepsy
Moray College DMCL5 Information Literacy Assignment 2
As a conclusion to this blog:
Narcolepsy is a brain condition which affects the patient’s ability to sleep/wake at the correct times. It has symptom that can further effect the patient’s sleep-wake cycle and cause distress. There are treatments that can help the patient continue with their lives, such as medications and alternative therapy, however, no permanent treatment has been created so far.
Although there is no permanent cure for Narcolepsy, treatments have been developed that can help the patient.
Medication
There are 2 medications that are used to help treat narcolepsy. These are Antidepressants and Sodium Oxibate.
Antidepressants are used to overpower REM Sleep and remedy REM Intrusion. These tend to be more for Cataplexy, but can be used to treat other symptoms such as Sleep Paralysis and Disrupted Night time Sleep.
Sodium Oxibate, or Xyrem® can be used to remedy REM Intrusion, Sleepiness and Disrupted Night time Sleep.
Lifestyle Adjustment
Lifestyle Adjustments are small changes to your routine that could help the patient with their Narcolepsy. To name a few, there is Practicing good Sleep Hygene, Exercising and Scheduling Naps throughout the Day.
Complimentary/Alternative Therapy
Alternative Therapies such as herbal remedies, acupuncture and massage have been proven to have a positive effect on Narcolepsy.
Although effective, alternative therapy is not without its dangers and you should always contact your provider and physician to ensure that you do not overmedicate or end up in a dangerous situation.
Information can be found at narcolepsynetwork.org/about-narcolepsy/treatment/
Here is a helpful podcast from SleepHub (13/05/2015) on managing and living with Narcolepsy.
Learning how to Manage Narcolepsy
I don’t own this podcast, all rights belong to SleepHub.
Although the frequency changes between each patient, Narcolepsy has FOUR main Symptoms:
Cataplexy
Cataplexy is the loss or weakness of control over muscles. This can be both sudden and temporary. They are usually emotionally triggered and can last from between seconds to minutes at a time. Cataplexy can often cause the patient to become a social and emotional recluse in order to prevent attacks.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
This is often the first sign of Narcolepsy and can have serious impacts on the patient’s life. This consists of struggling to stay awake during the day.
Sleep Attacks
Sleep Attacks are when the patient falls asleep suddenly, these Sleep Attacks can happen several times a day if left untreated and can last from second to minutes at a time.
Sleep Paralysis
This is when the patient loses the ability to move or speak. This usually occurs when the patient is either falling asleep or waking up. This can last between seconds and minutes. It does no harm to the patient, but can be frightening as patients can on occasion hallucinate during the paralysis.
Information can be found at nhs.uk/conditions/narcolepsy/symptoms/
I don’t own this video, all rights belong to Harvard Medical School.
Narcolepsy is a condition stemming from the brain. It effects the sleep-wake cycle (the mental cycle of when the patient should sleep and wake) of the patient and can often lead to Cataplexy. Narcolepsy affects the patient in their daily life as it can cause the patient to sleep at any time and can damage their emotional health as well as any relationship ties that they might have.
Narcolepsy can affect up to 1 in 2,500 people and most people can go undiagnosed. Unfortunately, no permanent cure has been created yet, however, there are multiple treatments to help patients of Narcolepsy lead normal, happy lives.
Image By AdamBMorgan (21/10/2016)
Information can be found at narcolepsy.org.uk/about-narcolepsy
Information Literacy - Assignment 2: Narcolepsy 