How your sleep specialists in Columbia, SC, can help when you have narcolepsy

Do you often feel sleepy during the day? If so, you could have a somewhat rare sleep disorder known as narcolepsy. Your sleep specialist can help. Dr. Richard Bogan and Dr. Laura Herpel at Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC, provide a wide range of sleep medicine services, including diagnosis and treatment of narcolepsy.

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that affects hundreds of thousands of people in the United States, according to the National Sleep Foundation. When you have narcolepsy, it means your sleeping and waking processes are impaired. The REM sleep cycle occurs quickly, rather than occurring much later, which is normal.

In addition to excessive daytime sleepiness, narcolepsy has several other signs and symptoms, including:

  • Exhibiting automatic behaviors
  • Waking up several times during the night
  • Feeling unable to move
  • Seeing vivid images when waking up or falling asleep
  • Sudden loss of muscle control
  • Irritability or restlessness

Narcolepsy can be dangerous, especially if an episode occurs while driving or operating machinery. According to the National Sleep Foundation, narcoleptics are 3 to 4 times more likely to be in a vehicular accident.

Treatment for narcolepsy begins with a sleep study. The study will determine whether you have narcolepsy or another type of sleep disorder. Once the sleep disorder is identified, treatment can begin. Your sleep specialist will also record a full medical history, including signs and symptoms, date of onset, and other information.

If you have narcolepsy, treatment is designed to help ensure patient safety, reduce your symptoms, and improve your quality of life. Recommended treatment may include:

Behavioral modification, including taking short naps, developing a more active exercise regimen, developing a sleep schedule, and discontinuing alcohol and sedatives.

Medication therapy, including taking medications to reduce daytime sleepiness, and other uncomfortable symptoms.

To find out more about the signs, symptoms, and treatment of narcolepsy talk with your sleep specialist. Call Dr. Richard Bogan and Dr. Laura Herpel at Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC. You can reach them in the office by calling (803) 251-3093, so call now.