Dagtrötthetnarcolepsi

Dagtrötthetnarcolepsi, often referred to as narcolepsy with cataplexy, is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the brain's ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles. Individuals with this condition experience excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), which is often the most prominent symptom. This sleepiness can be overwhelming and lead to an irresistible urge to sleep at inappropriate times, such as during conversations, meals, or while driving.

A hallmark feature of narcolepsy with cataplexy is cataplexy, which is a sudden, brief loss of muscle tone. Cataplexy is typically triggered by strong emotions like laughter, surprise, or anger. It can manifest as a mild weakness, such as drooping eyelids or slurred speech, or can be severe enough to cause a complete collapse. During these episodes, individuals remain conscious.

Other common symptoms associated with narcolepsy include sleep paralysis, which is a temporary inability to move or speak when falling asleep or waking up, and hypnagogic or hypnopompic hallucinations. These are vivid, dream-like experiences that can occur while falling asleep or waking up, and can be frightening. Sleep disruption at night is also characteristic, with frequent awakenings and fragmented sleep.

The exact cause of narcolepsy with cataplexy is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a deficiency in hypocretin (also known as orexin), a neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a crucial role in regulating wakefulness and REM sleep. It is thought to be an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks hypocretin-producing cells. Diagnosis typically involves a sleep study (polysomnography) and a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT). While there is no cure for narcolepsy, symptoms can be managed with medication and lifestyle adjustments.