Research on Narcolepsy

Research on narcolepsy dispels many widespread beliefs about this perplexing neurological disorder. Contrary to popular belief, not all narcoleptics are prone to abruptly collapsing into sleep.

When was narcolepsy discovered?

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that has been subject to comedic portrayals on screen and within books. Although there are some people affected by narcolepsy who additionally deal with sudden muscle weakness that may evolve into temporary paralysis, the majority of narcoleptics have nothing more than a strong urge to sleep during various parts of the day along with broken sleep at night. In other words, a person who appears to be lazy because of frequent nap urges during the day may actually be narcoleptic.

For this reason, many people with narcolepsy aren't properly diagnosed with this disorder, or are never diagnosed at all.

Narcolepsy is much more serious than the comedic portrayals found in the media. People who suffer from narcolepsy can be treated but there is not a cure available. Researchers hypothesize that narcolepsy is a result of dysfunction within the body's sleep cycle regulation, but they do not know how to prevent this disorder from developing or how to completely stop it once it does manifest in a person. The fact that there is no known cure for narcolepsy prompts further research as medical professionals strive to find a way to cure and prevent this neurological disorder.

Narcolepsy is presumed to be highly underreported, in many cases because it isn't properly diagnosed. As more research is conducted and more people are diagnosed with narcolepsy there is a chance that research efforts will be increased and more funding will be designated for research on narcolepsy.

Research has revealed some very interesting facts about this neurological disorder.

Narcolepsy brain research suggests that there may be a genetic link with regards to the neurological condiiton. In other words, people who have family members with narcolepsy have an increased chance of having narcolepsy as well. This research also reveals that narcolepsy is indeed a neurological disorder as opposed to being something psychological.

Researchers utilized monozygotic (identical) twins for this research as well as conducting some research with animal subjects.

Researchers conducting examinations of human and animal brains surmise that a deficiency of cells called hypocretin may be a cause for narcolepsy. It was discovered that most people who have narcolepsy also have this hormone deficiency, although the same assumption may not be reliable with animal subjects.

Some research also reveals a possible mutation with hypocretin in addition to the deficiency, making it more difficult for the body to regulate normal sleep cycles.

Research reveals that people suffer from narcolepsy in widely varying degrees. In the least affected individuals, daytime sleepiness might be the only symptom. On the other side of the spectrum, severe narcolepsy can force a person into sleep abruptly and without warning, especially when startled or feeling a strong emotion. Cataplexy, which is the sudden paralysis that severe narcolepsy can induce, is a characteristic of narcolepsy that does not manifest itself in other sleep disorders.

Medical research facilities conducting research on narcolepsy view this neurological disorder as a serious issue and do not regard it in a comedic light. The premier research facility for narcolepsy is the Stanford School of Medicine Center for Narcolepsy, but sleep centers around the world conduct research on this disorder as well.

Diagnosed narcoleptics are valuable commodities to these research centers. Stanford additionally solicits brain donations from people to further the research. Obviously the donation does not take place until after the donor's death, but studying the brain of deceased narcoleptics is a valuable tool in learning more about this disorder.

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