For instance, if a person had been in a meeting taking notes, they may fall asleep and continue taking notes. During a microsleep, one may continue an activity as if they were awake these occurrences are referred to as automatic behavior. When people awake from a microsleep, they tend to report feeling very refreshed and will be alert for about an hour or two before sleepiness sets in again. These tiny instances of sleep are very brief and last for only a few seconds or minutes at a time. Often when one suffers from EDS, they will also experiences “microsleeps”. Some related symptoms of EDS are mental cloudiness, lack of energy, depressed mood, extreme exhaustion and automatic behavior. People who have EDS often report feeling very fatigued or having low energy. This urge can come and go multiple times though out the day. The urge to sleep is almost unbearable, almost an overwhelming urge to fall asleep at in appropriate times. Unlike daytime sleepiness, excessive daytime sleepiness occurs whether or not a narcoleptic has gotten enough sleep. EDS is the most prevalent symptom, reported in 100% of narcoleptics. This primary symptom may persist for years before any other symptoms present. The first symptom to appear is excessive daytime sleepiness, often referred to as EDS. Below is a brief description and explanation of the most prominent symptoms most commonly associated with narcolepsy. There are other symptoms associated with narcolepsy as well, such as cataplexy and sleep paralysis. Many people who suffer from narcolepsy do not realize excessive daytime sleepiness is a symptom, because daytime sleepiness in their mind is not an indicator of disease.
![narcolepsy cataplexy syndrome narcolepsy cataplexy syndrome](https://bedroom.solutions/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/durmiendomejor.com-ICSD2-Cover.jpg)
People who suffer from narcolepsy can experience a number of symptoms, excessive daytime sleepiness being the most common. The current position is that all of these factors contribute to narcolepsy. Researchers have also found abnormalities in some regions of the brain that regulate REM cycles in narcoleptics. This chemical is responsible for the feeling of alertness and aids in sleep regulation. A recent discovery has shown that people who suffer from narcolepsy lack the chemical hypocretin. Scientists and researchers believe there are multiple factors that influence the disorder. The cause of narcolepsy is still unknown, however there is much research being done to find the cause of the disorder.
![narcolepsy cataplexy syndrome narcolepsy cataplexy syndrome](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/2e/83/57/2e83574cb0f4a7db1fe4586b64a48dd1.jpg)
It is thought that as many as 125,000 to 200,000 Americans have narcolepsy, although fewer than 50,000 have been properly diagnosed. Narcolepsy commonly goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed because few people realize they are experiencing a neurological disorder when the symptoms begin. It can take a number of years for this symptom to progress to a point of concern and for other related symptoms to present. Excessive daytime sleepiness is the first noticeable symptom of narcolepsy. One may develop narcolepsy at any time, although onset of the first symptom usually occurs after puberty, in late teens to young adulthood. People who suffer from narcolepsy have mixed signals sent from their brain about when to sleep, which is why narcoleptics fall asleep at inopportune times. Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder caused by the brains inability to regulate a stable sleep-wake cycle. BOARD MEMBERS / CONTRIBUTORS / REVIEWERS.Ask the Sleep Doctor: Do you have a question about sleep or sleep disorders?.Sleep Disorders – ICD-10 Codes and Names.Sleeping Pills: Medications to Help you Sleep.Best Anti-Snoring Mouth Guards, Mouthpieces, and Snoring Devices.CPAP Supplies – What connects to the CPAP machine?.CPAP and BiPAP: Which One is Best For You?.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Causes, Test and Treatments.Drowsiness: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention.Bruxism – Teeth Grinding Symptoms, Treatment & Causes.Hypersomnia: Symptoms, Causes, Definition and Treatments.Night Terrors: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatments.Sleep Deprivation: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments.Narcolepsy – Definition, Symptoms, Causes & Treatments.Sleep Apnea: Common Causes, Risk Factors, Treatments.Night Guard for Bruxism: Teeth Grinding and Clenching.Best Weighted Blankets: Reviews and How They Work.CPAP Cleaners – Reviews of the Best Cleaning Machines.Mattresses: A Review of the Best and Buying Guide.Sleep Debt: Signs, Symptoms & Treatments.Sleeping Tips to Help You Fall Asleep Fast.Dreams – What they mean and psychology behind them.