Narcolepsy is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. However, having a member of your family who suffers from narcolepsy does increase your chances of developing the disorder. Though many of the environmental factors leading to this illness have been identified, some remain unknown.
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder often characterized by extreme drowsiness due to your brain's inability to regulate your sleep cycles. Though it's a chronic disorder, it's manageable through a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. Narcolepsy is typically identified through a variety of symptoms. These include:
Though it is unclear exactly what causes narcolepsy, it is possible that your genes play a role in you developing this disease. It's important to note that many sufferers of narcolepsy don't have an immediate family member who also suffers from the illness. However, there are a few risk factors that can increase your chances of developing this disorder. Such as:
Genetics are only one factor that determines whether a person is at risk of developing narcolepsy. Your lifestyle plays a large role in maintaining a healthy quality of sleep and keeping your risk factors low. There are a few small changes you can make to improve your overall sleep hygiene.
In addition to lifestyle changes, there are several medications currently in use for the treatment of narcolepsy:
If you're considering medication to treat your symptoms associated with narcolepsy, it's best to contact your physician to discuss which treatment is right for you.
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