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Re: Could I have narcolepsy?

Posted by SleepyHead2 on April 16, 2007 at 11:28:03:

In Reply to: Could I have narcolepsy? posted by Sara on April 13, 2007 at 05:32:51:

I agree with the other two responses, it doesn't sound like cataplexy or hallucination associated with Narcolepsy. You really need to see a doctor and have a sleep study done to determine if you have N or not. I was alway tired and blamed it on my lifestyle when I was younger and then on being pregnant and having a small child. But, eventually my symptoms got worse. I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea and the CPAP machine worked wonders...for about 6 months. I was still tired and looked up sleep disorders, like you, on the internet. I had hallucinations associated with N and paralysis upon sleeping or waking up. I would hear music and would swear to you someone was playing it loud outside, yet, when I was fully awake, there was nothing. I would fall asleep and the phone would ring, 5 minutes later and I had already had a dream. I never knew how to describe these conditions and just thought, "thats what happens when you go to sleep". I also had cataplexy and this was the scariest symptom, I think. You body feels like jello..kind of. I never collapsed, but felt like I might....whenever I was upset, or laughing. I took a copy of what I read on the internet to my doctor and told her, I had these symptoms. As for myself, I am not a hypocondriac, and I knew that I experienced these usual symptoms. But, I can understand how doctors may think that. You are your own advocate and if you are having trouble staying awake AND getting proper sleep, see a neurologist. Many general doctors do not understand this illness. Many people think that Narcoleptics are always asleep, but they have trouble staying asleep at night, too. As my doctor put it, "it is like your sleep/awake switch is broken and it toggles back and forth". Whereas someone with out it, turns off the switch and goes to sleep, and visa versa. I knew when my sleep attacked were about to take place and could pull over when driving or get up to "hide" somewhere, if I were getting too tired. This however, worsens with time, and just before being diagnosed, it was not controllable. I do not recommend trusting that you will know when you get tired and can pull over. Anyway, that is another story. I hope it works out for you.

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  • Sleep Deprivation due to Sleep Apnea and insufficient sleep are common and can present as insomnia, narcolepsy, or idiopathic hypersomnia. In infants and children sleep problems commonly present themselves as ADD or ADHD.


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