Here’s Why You Have Been Feeling Excessively Sleepy

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We’ve all seen situation comedies where a character just can’t seem to stay awake, and the condition is aimed at making people laugh. However, if you have been diagnosed with narcolepsy or your loved one has it, it’s not funny. Narcolepsy affects your quality of life, both during the day and at night.

It is a sleep disorder where you find it hard to control sleep cycles. Patients might feel excessively sleepy during the day, so much that they can fall asleep anytime and anywhere. Also, at night, people with narcolepsy sleep poorly and wake consistently. Undiagnosed narcolepsy can lead to depression.

Symptoms can include:

One. Excessive daytime sleepiness: This is the main symptom of narcolepsy. You may have pressing urges to sleep even after sleeping all night.

Two. Hallucinations: Some patients experience very real hallucinations. They can be disruptive, disturbing, and frightening.

Three. Memory Problems: Excessive daytime sleep can cause memory issues because you are hardly fully awake.

Four. Sleep paralysis: Sleep paralysis usually comes with hallucinations. Patients find it hard to move while falling asleep or waking up.

Five. Cataplexy: This is also known as the sudden loss of muscle tone. The muscles become weak or even paralyzed. It can occur due to extreme feelings of different emotions like anger or being surprised.

Seeking treatment is vital. However, some life changes can help you manage this condition well. These changes include taking frequent naps during the day, maintaining a consistent sleep pattern, and eating a balanced diet.

Excessive sleep does not mean you are lazy. Seek medical attention and take your medications regularly!