Although a sleep attack is usually viewed as a symptom of narcolepsy or a sleep disorder, they can also occur without narcolepsy. A neurological disorder that causes sleeplessness and wakefulness is called narcolepsy. Narcolepsy sufferers often experience excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep attacks that are intermittent and uncontrollable. They can happen at any time, and they can be experienced during any activity.
Notice: While the content of Sleepopolis can be considered informative, it should not replace professional medical advice. You should consult your healthcare provider immediately if you suspect you might have a sleep disorder or other medical condition.
What Causes Sleep Attack
While narcolepsy may be the main cause of sleep attacks, it is not always the case. Sleep attacks can also be a sign of sleep apnea which is the most common disorder of sleep in the USA. A person suffering from sleep apnea is one who stops breathing multiple times per night. This is usually due to a physical blockage of the throat or chest. Sleep apnea sufferers often wake up several times per night, even though they don’t remember. In extreme cases, sleep attacks can be caused by excessive daytime sleepiness and nighttime sleep quality that is very poor.
What is a Sleep Attack?
As well, severe cases can result in restless legs syndrome affecting nighttime sleep quality. Patients with restless leg syndrome are often constantly moving and in pain. This can cause a disruption to their sleep cycles and affect the quality of their nighttime sleep. This can cause excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep attacks.
The Sleep Cycle
During a normal sleeping cycle, a person goes through four stages before reaching REM (or Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. This is the most deep stage of sleep. It is where the body becomes paralyzed, and most of the dreaming takes place. REM sleep happens almost instantly after a sleep attack. REM sleep can also be achieved faster for narcoleptics during nighttime sleeping hours.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Sleep Attack?
A sleep attack is characterized by the urge to fall asleep without warning, regardless of mood, activity, or setting.
Sleep attacks can occur suddenly and without warning and can cause severe trauma to others. These sleep attacks can last for a few seconds to a few minutes and can even occur multiple times per day in extreme cases.
Because of the rapid onset of REM, a sleep attack is characterized by a quick onset, narcoleptics will experience muscle paralysis. You may feel disoriented upon waking, or as if you are dreaming.
What Causes Narcolepsy In Children?
Narcolepsy is most common between the ages 15 and 25. However, it can happen at any age. It is often misdiagnosed as a fainting disorder or schizophrenia, or it goes undiagnosed.
Although the exact cause of narcolepsy remains unknown, scientists believe that it may have strong genetic implications. Researchers believe that narcolepsy may be caused by a deficiency in certain sleep hormones. Hypocretin is one chemical that has been linked to narcolepsy. Research also suggests that narcoleptics might have abnormalities in the brains responsible for REM sleep.
You should consult your doctor if you suspect you might have narcolepsy, or another sleep disorder.
Sometimes, narcolepsy can be caused by an autoimmune disorder.
Other Symptoms Of Narcolepsy
Other symptoms include sleep attacks and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), sleep paralysis, cataplexy (sudden loss in muscle control), hallucinations, and cataplexy. Memory loss, headaches and depression are less common signs.
What Are The Causes Of A Sleep Attack?
Sleep attacks are often a sign of untreated sleep disorders, most commonly narcolepsy or sleep apnea. These are usually caused by poor quality sleep that causes excessive daytime sleepiness. Narcolepsy is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness. However, there may also be hormonal imbalances or neurological abnormalities that can contribute to sleep attacks.
What To Do During A Sleep Attack?
While sleep attacks are especially dangerous for people who drive or operate heavy machinery, they can also be dangerous when you do less risky activities such as walking down stairs. It is crucial to find a safe place if you experience excessive sleepiness during the day or feel you might be at risk.
Even though it might be distressing, a sleep attack is not a sign of danger.
You should help them find a safe and comfortable place to sleep. Don’t try to wake them up, as this could be frightening and disorienting. If they are experiencing a new behavior or unfamiliar conditions, encourage them to seek medical attention. People suffering from sleep attacks may feel embarrassed or ashamed about it. Be reassuring and sensitive.
How Can You Control Sleep Attacks?
Narcolepsy is a condition that cannot be treated. However, drugs can help to manage some of the most severe symptoms.
Lifestyle changes can also be helpful for those suffering from sleep attacks, whether they are related to narcolepsy or not. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, as well as reducing your food intake, practicing good sleep hygiene, and scheduling a nap every day may all help to reduce fatigue and disrupted sleeping patterns.
