People with narcolepsy and sleep apnea have excessive daytime sleepiness, which leads to disturbed sleep at night.
Both sleep disorders cause excessive daytime sleepiness. While narcolepsy is a neurological disorder, sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that affects the quality of sleep.
In this blog, we will be comparing symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options of narcolepsy and sleep apnea.
We will also touch upon the ways through which you can prevent both disorders.
Overview of Narcolepsy and sleep apnea
Narcolepsy is a disorder of sleep characterized by excessive sleepiness during the day and sudden sleep attacks, or cataplexy.
People with narcolepsy may experience frequent cataplexy, which is a sudden loss of muscle tone that can cause a loss of consciousness.
Sleep apnea is a disorder of sleep characterized by snoring or brief pauses in breathing during sleep.
In some cases, sleep apnea may be associated with excessive tiredness during the day and morning headaches.
While it is common for sleep apnea to be diagnosed with an overnight sleep study, many people with the disorder also have medical symptoms such as loud snoring or gasping for air during sleep.
Symptoms of narcolepsy and sleep apnea
For Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy symptoms can vary from one person to another but typically include
- Excessive sleepiness
- Sudden sleep attacks
- Difficulty staying asleep and waking up
- Vivid dreams
- Irritability
- People with narcolepsy may experience frequent cataplexy, which is a sudden loss of muscle tone that can cause a loss of consciousness hence they are recommended to take Provigil or modafinil, a medication that helps in narcolepsy. You should buy Provigil online from a trusted supplier.
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For Sleep Apnea
The most commonly reported symptoms of sleep apnea include
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Loud snoring
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Feeling tired during the day even after getting enough sleep at night
- Morning headaches
- Insomnia
- Waking up gasping for air
- People who suffer from sleep apnea may also experience problems with concentration and memory due to lack of quality sleep.
Causes of narcolepsy and sleep apnea
For Narcolepsy
- The exact cause of narcolepsy is still unknown; however, many believe that genetics may play a role in its development.
- In addition to genetic factors, environmental triggers like infections or injuries have been found to increase the risk of developing narcolepsy as well.
- Other potential causes include autoimmune disorders and problems with the production or transport of hypocretin—a neurotransmitter that regulates arousal and wakefulness.
For Sleep Apnea
- One of the most common causes of sleep apnea is obesity. Excess fat around the neck can narrow airways, making it difficult to get enough oxygen during the night.
- Other physical issues such as enlarged tonsils or a deviated septum can contribute to breathing difficulties during restful activities like sleeping.
- In rare cases, congenital defects can be responsible for obstructive sleep apnea in children.
Risk factors for narcolepsy and sleep apnea
For Narcolepsy
There are several known risk factors associated with narcolepsy including
- Genetic predisposition
- Autoimmune disorders
- Environmental triggers such as infections or traumatic events.
For Sleep Apnea
Studies have found that there are several risk factors associated with sleep apnea that can increase an individual’s chance of developing it. These include
- Obesity or being overweight
- Smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products
- Drinking alcohol excessively
- Having certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure or heart problems
- Having large tonsils or a narrow airway may also contribute to one’s risk for developing the disorder.
Diagnosis of narcolepsy and sleep apnea
Narcolepsy is a disorder of excessive daytime sleepiness that can be diagnosed through an overnight sleep study and multiple sleep latency tests.
Sleep apnea is a disorder of abnormal breathing during sleep, and it is diagnosed through a physical exam, medical history review, and an overnight sleep study.
The treatment for narcolepsy and sleep apnea differs significantly, so it’s important to have an accurate diagnosis.
An accurate diagnosis of narcolepsy or sleep apnea will provide you with the proper treatment options and support to improve your health and well-being.
Treatment options for narcolepsy and sleep apnea
Narcolepsy and sleep apnea share similar symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep attacks. However, treatment for the two conditions is different.
For Narcolepsy,
- Lifestyle changes such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol can help lessen symptoms.
- Stimulants, such as Provigil, modafinil, or amphetamines, may be prescribed to increase alertness during the day for those with the disorder.
You can find out more about the treatment of Narcolepsy in our recent blog on How does Modacharge 200mg treat Narcolepsy?
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For Sleep Apnea,
- Surgery and oral appliance therapy may also be used to treat sleep apnea.
- Also, sleep apnea is treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or surgery.
Prevention of narcolepsy and sleep apnea
For Narcolepsy
- Making sure you get enough quality sleep each night is essential for preventing narcolepsy.
- Aim for seven or eight hours of restful sleep per night, avoiding stimulating activities such as playing video games or watching television before bedtime.
- Establishing a regular bedtime/waketime schedule and sticking to it as much as possible is also important for regulating your circadian rhythm and reducing the risk of narcolepsy.
- Exercise regularly and make sure your diet includes plenty of vitamins and minerals that help keep your body healthy, such as iron and magnesium.
For Sleep Apnea
- First and foremost, maintaining a healthy weight is key for preventing sleep apnea. Being overweight or obese can cause airway blockage and disrupt the normal rhythm of breathing while asleep.
- Eating more nutritious foods and getting regular physical activity can help you reach a healthy weight and keep your risk of developing this condition low.
- Another way to prevent sleep apnea is by avoiding alcohol before bedtime as well as sedatives like sleeping pills or muscle relaxants.
Put an end to your struggle with narcolepsy and sleep apnea today!
Both narcolepsy and sleep apnea are sleep-related disorders that cause excessive daytime sleepiness, which can lead to other health problems. Don’t let narcolepsy or sleep apnea dictate your life.
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