Cause Of Narcolepsy

The exact cause of narcolepsy is uncertain. It is not possible to say why one person gets narcolepsy and another does not. It is thought that there may be a combination of things which which combine to cause narcolepsy.

Low levels of hypocretin, a chemical in the brain that helps control levels of alertness may play a part in the cause of narcolepsy.

But what causes these low hypocretin levels isn't well understood.

Researchers think that certain factors may work together to cause a lack of hypocretin

Possible causes

Heredity. Some people may inherit a gene that affects hypocretin. Up to 10 percent of people who have narcolepsy report having a relative with the same symptoms.

Infections. Brain injuries due to conditions such as brain tumors or strokes.

Contact with toxins. such as pesticides.

Autoimmune disorders. These are conditions in which the body's immune system attacks the body's healthy cells.

Those suffering from narcolepsy may have one or any combination of the above present.

Effects of Narcolepsy

People who suffer from narcolepsy are prone to extreme daytime sleepiness. This is often the most obvious symptom of narcolepsy.

During the day, there may be a few or many periods of sleepiness. Each bout usually lasts 30 minutes or less.

Another effect of narcolepsy is cataplexy.

Cataplexy causes loss of muscle tone while you're awake. Muscle weakness occurs in certain parts of the body or in the whole body. Some people lose all muscle control during an attack.

People with narcolepsy also have very vivid dream and which seem real to them, this often happens when dosing of falling off to sleep.

Sleep paralysis is also another effect of narcolepsy. This condition prevents you from moving or speaking while falling asleep or waking up.

Those are the main effects of narcolepsy although poor sleeping during the night is also common.

As more research is carried out it is hopefull that scientists will gain a better understanding of the causes of narcolepsy and then be able to offer effective treatment.