When people talk about sleep disorders, they commonly refer to insomnia--not being able to go to sleep or stay asleep. But, did you know there are many other kinds of sleep problems? According to the Stanford Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine, individuals of all ages and walks of life suffer from over 100 different types of maladies that affect one's nightly rest, sleep cycles and more. Narcolepsy is one of them, and it's more common than you may realize. Dr. Richard K. Bogan diagnoses and treats narcolepsy in Columbia, SC, by helping patients live a more normal life.
What is narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder which causes unusual and untimely daytime sleepiness, paralysis during sleep and even hallucinations. Also, many narcoleptic people experience cataplexy, a paralysis of the limbs while awake due to a loss of the brain chemical called hypocretin.
If you think of a person with narcolepsy as someone who falls asleep suddenly during a workday, you'd be right, and you can imagine how the disorder impacts everyday life and relationships. In addition, the Narcolepsy Network says that 1 in 2,000 Americans suffer from the disorder and that environment, genetics and the immune system play a role in it.
Diagnosing narcolepsy
At Bogan Sleep Consultants, people with narcolepsy find real help. Dr. Bogan is board-certified in sleep medicine, internal medicine, and pulmonary diseases. He expertly and compassionately assesses patients who come to his office in Columbia with symptoms of narcolepsy.
Dr. Bogan usually orders in-office sleep assessments to pinpoint the individual's specific issue. With suspected narcolepsy, the tests include:
- MSLT, or Multiple Sleep Latency Test in which the individual takes five 20-minute naps to determine how quickly he or she falls asleep
- Polysomnogram in which the patient's vital signs and muscular activity are monitored during a full night's sleep
Both tests are performed in a relaxed, homey environment at night right at Bogan Sleep Consultants. The procedures are painless and give Dr. Bogan concrete information on which to base his findings.
Living with narcolepsy
If you think you have narcolepsy, don't despair. Your Columbia doctor, Dr. Bogan, and his team are highly skilled in helping scores of individuals live well with the disorder. Therapy usually includes stimulant medications, counseling and behavior modifications.
These behavior modifications really benefit anyone seeking a better night's sleep and increased wakefulness during the day. They include:
- Going to bed at the same time each night
- Avoiding alcohol and tobacco, particularly before going to sleep
- Scheduling regular naps
- Getting out in the sunshine
- Taking regular exercise
Are you concerned about your sleepiness?
If so, please contact Bogan Sleep Consultants for an appointment with Dr. Bogan. He'll work with you to achieve the rest you deserve. Call (803) 251-3093 today.
