Narcolepsy is often poorly understood by patients, family members, and peers (Guilleminault, 1994) and may also lead to a loss in gainful employment because of the frequent sleep attacks. Often, those with narcolepsy tend to prefer shift or night work, perhaps because falling asleep can be expected during these times. Approximately 60-80% of narcoleptics have fallen asleep while driving, at work, or both (Aldrich, 1990; Broughton, Ghanem, Hishikawa, Sugita, Nevsimalova, & Roth, 1981). This high rate of falling asleep can severely limit daytime functioning. It places not only the narcoleptic but also others at risk of injury since a sleep attack can occur at any time -- for example, while driving a car or operating heavy machinery.
When narcolepsy is accompanied by cataplexy, many patients try to exert control over emotions to avoid an attack. This often results in expressionlessness and effects social relations (DSM-IV, 1994). Social relations may also be impaired because the individual may hesitate to engage in social activities for fear of having a sleep attack or an episode of cataplexy. Although narcolepsy can be a disabling disorder, many people with narcolepsy have found ways to improve their condition, as follows:
Take frequent naps during the day. These naps should be about 20 minutes long and can be squeezed into a busy schedule. For example, a 20-minute nap during the morning, lunch, and afternoon breaks will increase productivity and usually avoids sleep attacks.
Before long distance driving, take a short nap and do not drive alone. Taking someone else along for the ride will help to keep you awake (and will reduce the costs of the trip). Also, stop approximately every 2 hours and take a short nap or switch drivers so that you may remain well rested throughout the entire trip avoiding a possible accident.
Keep a regular sleep schedule. If you sleep for 4 hours one night, 8 the next, 3 the following, etc., you will find it difficult to avoid sleep attacks. If you are tired, you will fall asleep either from a sleep attack itself or simply physical exhaustion. Sleeping 7 to 8 hours per night, depending on how much sleep you require, should aid in the avoidance of sleep attacks.
Talk with a physician about medication. There are many medications for the treatment of narcolepsy, however, not every medication effects the same symptom, nor is there one drug that will treat all symptoms. Perhaps the medication that you are using is not exactly what you need. Talk with your doctor about other possible medications. (Link to Table 1)
Read, read, and read. There are many excellent articles and books available about narcolepsy. Many discuss its effects, will help you understand the nature of the syndrome, and explain research progress. This information will help you know what kind of medication you might need and will give tips on how to handle the syndrome. (See "Information & Links")