Causes Of Narcolepsy
The true causes of narcolepsy are somewhat mysterious. Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder. This disorder affects the part of the brain responsible to control the sleeping and awake times. Some studies point that narcolepsy is caused by the lack of a chemical substance in the brain called hypocretin. This chemical is responsible for stimulating the brain cells that send the wake up signals.
The reason why this substance is sometimes absence or in a very little amount in the human brain is still unknown but there are certain known elements that can affect it. One of the factors that influence the amount of hypocretin in the brain is the stress. The amount of stress a person is experimenting can affect the production of this substance into the brain. Another factor that can increase the chances of suffering narcolepsy is an accident that causes brain damage. The loss of some brain cells can affect the production of hypocretin as well.
One of the most surprising factors regarding this condition is that many people that suffer it have relatives that experience this condition as well. Narcolepsy is a condition that apparently can be inherited. Research shows that there is a gene related to this condition that can be passed down. The hypothalamus in the brain is the one responsible for controlling several functions of the body like heart rate, energy levels, metabolism, blood pressure, body temperature including the sleep cycles. So you could say that one of the causes of narcolepsy is that the neurotransmitters (special hormones) produced in the hypothalamus are not functioning properly.
Common signs of narcolepsy
A person that suffers from narcolepsy will probably fall sleep in the middle of any activity. Even when the person apparently had a complete good night sleep they will still feel tired and very sleepy during the day. This condition can be extremely dangerous as falling asleep while driving, operating machinery and even showering can be fatal.
One of the symptoms that a person with narcolepsy suffer is the presence of another condition called cataplexy. The cataplexy will shut down the muscles activity at any moment and or create sudden mood swings like a very strong anger or euphoria. Another sign of the condition is the hypnagogic hallucinations. This type of hallucinations feels very real for the person that experiences it and is present when the person is half asleep. Even when the causes of narcolepsy are somewhat complex there are ways to deal with the condition.
Narcolepsy treatments
Some people use a combination of different herbs and stimulants as treatments in order to regulate the sleeping function. Anti-depressants are also often used to prevent some of the most severe symptoms of the condition like the cataplexy. Even when there is no medication that can actually cure or deal with the causes of narcolepsy following a healthy life style will surely help. Exercising regularly as well eating the right foods (fruits and vegetables) will benefit every organ in your body especially the brain which can help to normalize the body functions.
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