Narcolepsy & Hypersomnia Treatment in Greenwich, CT
At Sleep & Neuroscience Associates, the leading sleep center in Greenwich, CT, we diagnose and treat a wide range of sleep disorders, including narcolepsy.
Learn more about our narcolepsy treatments below, or schedule an appointment to sleep better and live better today.
What is Narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, with or without muscle weakness (cataplexy) triggered by strong emotion. The condition is a chronic brain disorder which causes an inability to cycle sleep correctly.
In addition to excessive daytime sleepiness, episodes known as “sleep attacks” can occur during more high-energy activities. Sleep attacks can range in length from three to five minutes per episode and may be life-threatening if they occur in a dangerous environment. These sleep attacks involve falling asleep for seconds to minutes at a time. Narcolepsy symptoms can show in a variety of ways for different people.
Signs and Symptoms of Narcolepsy
If you currently experience any of the following symptoms, you may suffer from narcolepsy and should consult a narcolepsy specialist doctor as soon as possible:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness or hypersomnia
- Sudden muscle weakness (cataplexy)
- Inability to move or speak while falling asleep or waking (sleep paralysis)
- Hallucinations while falling sleep or waking up
- Inability to sleep through the night
- Falling asleep during the day for seconds or minutes at a time
Risk Factors for Narcolepsy
If you have any of the following conditions, you may be at risk for developing narcolepsy:
- Family history of narcolepsy
- A brain injury from a previous incident, such as stroke, tumor, or head trauma
- Certain autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis
Diagnosis of Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy should be diagnosed by a sleep doctor and narcolepsy specialist, such as our doctors. Making a diagnosis typically begins with a comprehensive sleep evaluation and a physical examination.
Overnight Sleep Studies
Further tests, such as an overnight sleep study, nap test, or multiple sleep latency test (MSLT), may be recommended. Consulting with a doctor trained in sleep medicine is the best way to get an accurate diagnosis and learn about your treatment options.
Treatment of Narcolepsy
Although no cure is currently available for narcolepsy, patients may live a near-normal life when symptoms are treated with FDA approved medications. Narcolepsy treatment may consist of one or more of the following options:
- Lifestyle modifications, which may consist of avoiding emotional triggers that cause muscle weakness and taking scheduled naps during the day.
- Medical management, which may consist of prescribing FDA-approved medications for treatment of narcolepsy.
Schedule A Consultation
If you believe you may be suffering from narcolepsy, it is important to see a doctor who specializes in sleep medicine in order to properly diagnose and treat your condition. Our doctors are trusted narcolepsy doctors and sleep specialists in CT, who is known for diagnosing and treating all kinds of sleep disorders. Call 203-826-1163 today, or schedule an appointment using this form.
