A Person with Severe Narcolepsy May Experience Dozens of Sleep Attacks a Day - Research Paper Example

Nacrolepsy: A Comparative Review Research studies have identified that sleep disorders provide repercussive dilemmas disrupting regular activities of a person’s life. The complaints are usually of insomnia, the inability to sleep at night, and hypersomnia, excessive sleepiness during the day. Psychologists have studied the underlying causes of sleep problems which could be temporary in nature and could thereby be effectively treated. One of the sleep disorders, which is the focus on this paper is narcolepsy, sleepiness carried to an almost unbelievable extreme. A narcoleptic is someone who cannot help suddenly, uncontrollable falling asleep. It can happen in the middle of an important business conversation, working on an assembly line, driving a car, or in the middle of an examination. In this regard, using three relevant journal articles, the relevant perspectives on narcolepsy would hereby be evaluated and compared in terms of research methods, results and the practical applications of the findings. Mentioned assessments and treatment methods, would likewise be presented, as required. Review of Literature Faraco, et.al. published a research in the Journal of Heredity (1999) delving into genetic studies in narcolepsy. The authors initially provided its definition as “a disabling sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and abnormal manifestations of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep including cataplexy, sleep paralysis and hypnagogic hallucinations” (Faraco, et.al, 129). The authors focused on genetic factors, identifying narcolepsy as an autoimmune disease, which could likewise afflict some breed of canine. The study conducted by Zeman, Douglas & Aylward (2001) published in the British Medical Journal highlights the tendencies for narcolepsy to be mistaken for epilepsy due to the symptoms and manifestations. The authors cited Aldrich (1998) to enumerate the symptoms or manifestations, to wit: “(a) excessive daytime sleepiness, with a tendency to nap repeatedly through the day; (b) cataplexy, a loss of muscle tone triggered by emotion, causing immobility' for seconds to minutes; (c) hypnagogic hallucinations, vivid visual or auditory phenomena, experienced at the onset of sleep; and (d) sleep paralysis, an inability to move on first awakening” (Zeman, 1). Doghramji, Lieberman & Gordon (2007) published an article entitled Stay awake! Understanding, diagnosing, and successfully managing narcolepsy in the Journal of Family Practice which aimed to “to describe the underlying pathology and symptoms of narcolepsy where differential diagnosis of narcolepsy and current treatment options” (S19) were presented. The authors proffered issues of the prevalence of narcolepsy in conjunction with risk factors and its effect on the diagnosed quality of life. Several case studies were likewise presented, comparing narcolepsy with other sleep disorders and to clearly elaborate on its underlying neuropathology and pharmacologic management and treatment. Methods Used Faraco, et.al. used genetics in evaluating the role of genes in narcolepsy. Their study was further supported and validated by variety of academic and authoritative sources which isolated the role of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) in the origins of narcolepsy in humans. As revealed, this genetic predisposition increases the tendency for individuals to acquire the disorder. As indicated, narcolepsy is an autoimmune disease with “multigenic disorder and is strongly influenced by environmental factors” (Faraco, et.al, 130). Zeman, et.al’s study used the case method approach to investigate narcolepsy’s tendencies to be mistaken for epilepsy. It was indicated that polysomnography aids in the accurate diagnosis of narcolepsy in contrast to other sleep disorders and focuses on the exclusion of “disorders of nocturnal sleep, such as obstructive sleep apnoea, which might explain daytime sleepiness”. (Zeman, et.al, 2). The more comprehensive study conducted by Doghramji, et.al (2007) provided tabular illustrations of differential diagnosis for excessive daytime sleepiness, and the currently available narcolepsy treatments and their pharmacologic properties. The authors used the case study approach coupled with support from various academic literatures to validate given contentions. They proffered the role of EDS, a symptom found to be common to most of the sleep disorders, including narcolepsy. Results The results of the studies are summarized below; Authors Summary of Results Citation Faraco, et.al. Nacrolepsy is “generally sporadic and multigenic”; (Faraco, 132) A genetic market, canarc 1, has been discovered. Zeman, et.al. Intensified testing such as polysomnography and (Zeman, 2) multiple sleep latency tests assist in the accurate distinction of nacrolepsy in contrast to other sleep disorders Authors Summary of Results Citation Doghramjo, et.al. Pharmacologic management is usually based on (Doghramjo, S30) treating separate symptoms, primarily cataplexy and EDS. Medications are found to be effective in treating this disorder. Discussion The research studies of the abovementioned authors are all relevant in terms of providing crucial information to better understand, accurately diagnose to appropriately manage and treat narcolepsy. The genetic studies conducted by Faraco, et.al. have clear applications for future research involving cloning of genes to enlighten practitioners in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders, particularly narcolepsy. Its value can be seen, not only in its aim to manage the disorder in humans, but in canines, as well. Zeman, at.al’s research gives direction to a more accurate diagnosis of the disorder through a close evaluation of the manifestations and symptoms, in conjunction with highly reliable tests such as the polysomnography and the multiple sleep latency tests. These methods are crucial prior to administering appropriate treatment and management of the illness. Finally, Doghramjo, et.al’s study provided a more comprehensive discourse on the management and treatment using both pharmacological and non-pharmacological means. Specific medications were clearly enumerated to determine their efficacies, as well as adverse reactions in the treatment of both narcolepsy and cataplexy. Future research could still be conducted in investigating other alternative pharmacological treatments as new drugs and medications are produced in the market. Conclusion As the various research literatures have revealed, a person with severe narcolepsy may experience dozens of sleep attacks a day, each lasting an average of about 15 to 20 minutes. In milder cases, a person with the disorder may have only a couple of episodes a month. Needless to say, narcolepsy can be life-threatening, and even socially and psychologically devastating. The paper was instrumental in proffering three scientific research articles which enhanced one’s knowledge on narcolepsy, as an extreme sleep disorder. Its tendencies to be mistaken to other sleep disorders were rationalized through the similarities in manifestations and symptoms. The relevance of using appropriate tests and methods to accurately diagnose the disorder is a priority to enable health care practitioners to apply the appropriate interventions in patients diagnosed with narcolepsy. Contemporary and future medical breakthroughs give potentials to further improve management and treatment of the disorder. The immediate diagnosis and appropriate understanding and awareness of the disorder is highly crucial in working towards the road to recovery. Works Cited Aldrich, M.S. “Diagnostic aspects of narcolepsy.” Neurology 50 (suppl 1):2-7S. 1998. Print. Doghramji, Paul P., Lieberman, Joseph A. & Gordon, Marc I. “Stay awake! Understanding, diagnosing, and successfully managing narcolepsy.” The Journal of Family Practice, 56(11), S19 – S32. November 2007. Web. 08 December 2010. Faraco, J., Lin, X., Li, R., Hinton, L., Mignot, E. “Genetic Studies in Nacrolepsy, a Disorder Affecting REM Sleep.” The Journal of Heredity, 90 (1), 129 – 132. 1999. Web. 08 December 2010. < http://jhered.oxfordjournals.org/content/90/1/129.full.pdf+html> Zeman, Adam, Douglas, Neil & Aylward, Rebecca. "Narcolepsy mistaken for epilepsy". British Medical Journal. FindArticles.com. 27 January 2001. Web. 08 Dec, 2010. Read More