Treating Narcolepsy

Treating narcolepsy will help reduce your symptoms. Work with your health care provider to create a plan that’s best for you. Learning healthy habits and taking medications can improve your life. Getting support from your family and friends will also help you to cope with narcolepsy at home and at work.

Working with Your Health Care Provider

Describe your sleeping problems to your health care provider. Be prepared to answer questions about your medical and family history. Try to keep a daily sleep diary for a week or two. Record the times when you fall asleep and wake up. Also write down any symptoms you notice. A sleep study can help diagnose narcolepsy. Your health care provider can help you find the medication that works best for you. He or she will discuss any possible side effects.

A Sleep Study

A sleep study is done at a sleep clinic. There, sensors will be placed on your head and body. Your sleep will be monitored all night. You may also have a daytime napping study. The results will help your health care provider to diagnose narcolepsy. Then your treatment can be planned.

Living with Narcolepsy

Symptoms of narcolepsy may affect your daily life. But you can learn ways to cope at home, work, or school. Try these tips:

• Teach your family and friends about narcolepsy and your special needs.

• Join a narcolepsy support group. There, you can talk about your sleep problem and share ideas about coping with your symptoms.

• Report changes in your symptoms and any medication side effects to your health care provider.

• If you work, try to adjust your schedule so you can take short naps during the day.

• At school, tell your teacher or school nurse about your special needs.

• If you become drowsy when driving, pull over to a safe place to nap.

Healthy Habits

These healthy habits may help reduce your symptoms:

• Plan short daily naps.

• Keep a regular sleep schedule. Go to bed and get up at the same time each day.

• Exercise regularly. Avoid strenuous exercise two to four hours before bedtime.

• Avoid or limit caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.