How is narcolepsy diagnosed and what are its treatments?

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that makes people very sleepy during the day and can cause sudden sleep attacks. To diagnose narcolepsy, doctors use special tests called sleep studies. These tests help doctors see how a person sleeps and if they have narcolepsy.

Diagnosis:

1. Sleep Studies: These include tests like the polysomnogram (PSG) and the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), which measure how quickly a person falls asleep and enters REM sleep.
2. Medical History: Doctors also look at a person’s sleep patterns and ask about symptoms.

Treatment:

1. Medications: Doctors may prescribe medicines to help keep people awake during the day or to control sudden muscle weakness, known as cataplexy.
2. Lifestyle Changes: It's important to have a regular sleep schedule, take short naps, and avoid heavy meals before bedtime.

By combining these methods, people with narcolepsy can manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. For more help with mental health concerns, visit 988lifeline.org.