Narcolepsy in Cedar City, UT
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Contact UsWhat Is Narcolepsy?
Our sleep medicine specialists in the Serenity Sleep Center may diagnose your narcolepsy if you have the symptoms of an uncontrollable desire to sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, or the sudden loss of muscle control known as cataplexy. Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes sudden sleep attacks, and in some cases, hallucinations that happen upon waking, sleep paralysis, insomnia, and changes in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.
Type 1 narcolepsy involves cataplexy and low levels of hypocretin (also called orexin), which regulates when you stay awake and when you enter REM sleep. Scientists suspect the low levels of hypocretin may be an autoimmune reaction. The majority of people with narcolepsy have type 2 and do not have cataplexy. There currently is no cure for narcolepsy, which can go undiagnosed for many years, but the sleep medicine team at serenity sleep center can recommend medications and lifestyle changes to help you manage the symptoms.
What Are the Benefits of Narcolepsy Treatment?
Narcolepsy treatment offers effective solutions for managing symptoms and enhancing the overall quality of life for patients in Cedar City, UT. Additional benefits include:
- Reduces excessive daytime sleepiness for improved alertness
- Improves nighttime sleep quality and duration
- Enhances cognitive function and mental clarity
- Minimizes disruptions to daily activities and productivity
- Customized treatment plans tailored to individual needs
- Provides support and resources for coping with narcolepsy
- Long-term management strategies for symptom control
What Causes Narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic factors, environmental triggers, and abnormalities in brain function, particularly the loss of a specific type of brain cell that produces hypocretin, a chemical responsible for regulating wakefulness. In many cases, the exact cause remains unknown, but autoimmune responses, viral infections, or severe stress may trigger the onset of narcolepsy by damaging the cells involved in maintaining stable sleep-wake cycles. Additionally, disruptions in the brain's ability to manage REM sleep can lead to sudden and uncontrollable sleep episodes typical of narcolepsy.
Treatments to Manage Narcolepsy
Based on your symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness, a sleep specialist will determine the type of narcolepsy you have based on sleep records and several tests about how you sleep. Canyon View Ear, Nose & Throat's sleep experts will review your sleep history and records before ordering a sleep study, known as polysomnography, which measures brain waves and records other activities while you sleep, such as blood oxygen levels, breathing and heart rates, and leg and eye movements. A multiple sleep latency test may also be prescribed to measure how long it takes you to fall asleep during the day. Other tests that could be conducted include genetic tests, which involve a lumbar puncture or spinal tap. All of these tests are necessary to help eliminate other possible causes of excessive daytime sleepiness, such as sleep apnea or medications causing drowsiness.
There isn't a cure for narcolepsy, but our sleep specialists can recommend medications and lifestyle changes to manage the symptoms of this sleep disorder. Medicines include stimulants, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, sodium oxybate (Xyrem), and oxybate salts (Xywav).
We may also recommend these home remedies to help improve your sleep health:
- Follow a sleep schedule. Our sleep experts may encourage you to stick to a sleep schedule and follow it every day of the week, including weekends. Stick to a schedule. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, including on weekends.
- Take short naps daily. Naps of 20 minutes during the day may refresh your body and reduce sleepiness for up to three hours.
- Avoid nicotine and alcohol. These substances, especially at night, often worsen symptoms.
- Get regular exercise. Moderate, regular exercise at least 4 – 5 hours before bedtime may help you sleep better at night, and you may feel more energized and awake during the day.
Canyon View Ear, Nose & Throat Reviews
Dr. Pearson made me feel heard. He was patient, kind and thorough. I would highly recommend his servies.
I went to a serenity sleep study based on a recommendation from my cardiologist, I told them I sleep just fine and do not need a machine, but I let him hook me up to all the wires and slept in the lab. After two sleep study appointments I received a report stating I have sleep apnea!!! That is not what I want to hear; but I decided if it will help my heart health, I will give it a try . So I got the BiPAP machine and have been using it and trying for the best score I can get every night. I have been bringing it when we travel. The premature ventricular contractions I was having have gone from excessive to normal and I wake up feeling healthy now! I have less issues of nodding off! What a blessing to be treated for problems I was ignorant of and be healthier because of the wonderful health care professionals from Intermountain Health and Serenity Sleep!!!
I’ve had severe post operative nosebleeds for 2 months and couldn’t get help from the surgeon (SLC) who caused it or the ENT office in St. George. They kept blowing me off so I called Dr. P in Cedar City. His office told me to drive right up and they would see me. Despite a full lobby, they squeezed me in and he diagnosed my issue in about 5 minutes, fixed it and sent me on my way. I’m absolutely impressed and grateful to Dr. P and staff for taking the time to care about a patient. I’d been gaslighted for months by the surgeon and the ENT in St. George and was so frustrated. I will be driving to Cedar City for any ENT needs from now on and will recommend this office to everyone!!
My first zoom meeting ever , I didn't know exactly what to do, was nervous as heck, all medical staff as well as Dr Pearson was so awsome made me feel very comfortable.
No wait time! Dr walked in immediately after assistant left. Dr explained the results of CPAP computer printout—very easy to understand. Plus Dr filled special request for written Rx quickly. Best service ever!
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Improve Your Sleep Health
Sleep is a vital part of our health. Serenity Sleep Center at Canyon View Ear, Nose & Throat is an accredited sleep facility with the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Dr. Pearson has been treating patients with sleep disorders for 19 years. If you suspect you might have narcolepsy or another sleep disorder, contact our Cedar City, UT office to schedule a consultation today.
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About UsNarcolepsy FAQs
What are the symptoms of narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is believed to be due to abnormal neurotransmitter functioning and sensitivity, abnormal immune modulation, and genetic predisposition. Narcolepsy is typically characterized by sleep paralysis, hypnagogic hallucinations, cataplexy, and EDS (excessive daytime sleepiness). Children with narcolepsy rarely experience all four symptoms.
Why is a sleep study needed to diagnose narcolepsy?
A sleep study is a necessary part of the evaluation to determine if a patient has narcolepsy. Combining an overnight polysomnogram and multiple sleep latency tests can help determine if you are struggling with narcolepsy or another sleep disorder like sleep apnea.
Can narcolepsy affect my ability to learn new information?
Yes. Although narcolepsy does not affect a patient’s intelligence, the symptoms can hinder one’s ability to learn. Memory, concentration, attention span, and the ability to study can be impaired by sleepiness. It is essential to identify narcolepsy in children as quickly as possible to prevent low self-esteem and a pattern of failure.