World Narcolepsy Day
Every year on September 22nd, World Narcolepsy Day raises the alarm about this common sleep disorder. Many who have narcolepsy are also posting their news on social media.
Narcolepsy is classified as a sleep disorder. However, narcolepsy is also regarded as a chronic medical disorder. The brain cannot control their sleep-wake cycle for those who have narcolepsy. 3 million people around the world are affected by this disease. This number does not include those who are undiagnosed. For those that are not, it takes up to 15 years to be properly diagnosed with narcolepsy.
Common symptoms
These are the key signs of narcolepsy.
- Excessive daytime sleepiness is required
- Cataplexy, or a sudden loss of muscle tone, is a sign of muscle tone
- Sleep paralysis, which is a temporary inability to move or talk while falling asleep or waking up, is a temporary inability to move or speak when falling asleep or waking up
- Sleep changes in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is when dreams occur, are when dreams occur
- Hallucinations
People with narcolepsy can fall asleep without warning. For example, they could fall asleep at work or talking to friends. They may not sleep for half an hour or a few minutes. When the individual wakes up, they may be feeling refreshed. However, the sleepiness would return eventually. Narcolepsy can interfere with daily life as you can imagine. This disorder is also dangerous, as it is likely to fall asleep while driving or making food. If left untreated, narcolepsy can lead to social alienation and depression.
As with any sleep disorder, those with narcolepsy are encouraged to maintain a regular sleep schedule. They should also plan to take a short nap during the day. Other ways to help control the signs of narcolepsy are nicotine and alcohol. Doctors may use stimulants or other prescription medications to help keep up throughout the day in severe cases.
People with narcolepsy should notify their employers of their condition. They are also encouraged to find a support group that recognizes the condition.
How to celebrate #worldnarcolepsyday
On this day, sleep professionals and organizations host various activities to inform the public about this misunderstood condition. To participate: To participate: To participate: To participate: You must register:
- Learn more about narcolepsy and the signs and symptoms of this disorder
- If you have narcolepsy, please share your tale with others
- For someone who has narcolepsy, please give them encouragement and assistance
- Donate to Project Sleep or other organizations that support narcolepsy research
- "Nap Attack" or "The Secrets of Sleep" are two examples of a narcolepsy documentary
- Learn about Jimmy Kimmel, Harriet Tubman, and Sir Winston Churchill, who were among the narcolepsy patients
With #WorldNarcolepsyDay, you can now promote this day on social media.
History of the world narcolepsy day has influenced history
In 2019, twenty-four patient advocacy groups from six continents established World Narcolepsy Day. The day's aim was to unite the international narcolepsy community in order to raise public awareness of narcolepsy.
