NARCOLEPSY
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterised by sudden attacks of sleep and overwhelming day time drowsiness. It is difficult for the patient to stay awake for longer periods of time, regardless of the circumstances. This condition can cause serious disruptions in the daily routine.
It is mainly caused by the brain’s incapability to regulate sleep-wake cycles normally. It is not a mental disorder but it is a nervous system disorder. It can occur in men, women, children as well as in elderly people.
Narcolepsy can sometimes be accompanied by cataplexy which is characterised by sudden loss of muscle tone. Cataplexy is often triggered by a strong emotion, most commonly laughter.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF NARCOLEPSY?
The symptoms of narcolepsy begin between the age group of 10-25 years and may worsen for the first few years and then continue for life. The symptoms of Narcolepsy include:
- Cataplexy: This condition is characterised by a number of physical changes like slurred speech, partial or complete weakness of most of the muscles which may last for a few seconds to a few minutes.
- Excessive sleepiness during day time: People suffering from narcolepsy may fall asleep without any warning or anywhere like people may fall asleep while talking with friends. There is also a decreased alertness throughout the day.
- Sleep Paralysis: Sleep paralysis is one of the symptoms of narcoplesy which is characterised by a temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep but these episodes are usually last for a few minutes or seconds but can be frightening.
- Hypnagogic Hallucinations: This condition may be vivid as well as frightening because a person may be semi-awake during dreaming and experience the dreams in reality.
- Other symptoms may include sleep apnea where a condition in which breathing starts and stops throughout the night.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF NARCOLEPSY
The exact cause of narcolepsy is not known. Most people suffering from narcolepsy have low levels of chemical known as hypocretin. The function of hypocretin chemical is to regulate wakefulness and REM sleep. Hypocretin levels are low in those who experience cataplexy.
According to Ayurveda, narcolepsy is caused due to the excess use of brain without giving it a break. If you use your brain continuously and keep the brain under anxiety and stress for a long time, then Vata dosha gets imbalanced and problem of narcolepsy occurs.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Doctor will diagnose narcolepsy on the basis of sleep history, sleep records, polysomnography and multiple sleep latency test.
Modern physicians prescribe medications such as stimulants, medications which suppress REM sleep, tricyclic antidepressants but these medicines have serious side effects such as weight gain, digestive problems, sexual dysfunction, difficulty in breathing, coma etc.
Planet Ayurveda offers various herbal combinations for the treatment of narcolepsy which are safe, effective and do not cause side effects.
HERBAL REMEDIES OFFERED BY PLANET AYURVEDA ARE
- Brahmi Capsules
- Gotukola Capsules
- Punarnava Capsules
- Ashwagandha Capsules
- Cap. Amalaki Rasayan
Herbal Remedies for Narcolepsy
1. Brahmi Capsules
Brahmi is a wonderful herb known for its functions such as sound sleep, calms emotional imbalance and also improves concentration and alertness. Brahmi is known by the name brain tonic in Ayurveda. It is also known to support body's natural healing process and healthy blood circulation. Brahmi Capsules of Planet Ayurveda are prepared from the pure extract of herb Bacopa monnieri and are very useful for the patients suffering from narcolepsy.
Dose: 1 capsule twice daily.
2. Gotukola Capsules
The botanical name of Gotukola is Centella asiatica. It has neuroprotective properties. Gotukola herb has calming action on the mind. It helps in making the mind resistant to worrying and over-thinking. It also restores mental energy and vitalises the neurons by reducing the oxidative stress in the brain. Gotukola also strengthens the functioning of the connective tissues in the body. It also improves the strength of the veins and enhances the flow of blood and nutrients to the brain. Thus, gotukola capsules are quite effective for the patients suffering from narcolepsy.
Dose: 1 capsule twice daily.
3. Punarnava Capsules
Planet Ayurveda’s Punarnava Capsules are prepared from the extract of Boerhavia diffusa. Punarnava is a well-known herb in Ayurveda. It is cooling in nature and helps in relaxing nerves as well. It makes the body new again, so the name Punarnava. These capsules also cause sound sleep without causing any side effects.
Dose: 1 capsule twice daily.
4. Ashwagandha Capsules
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a well-known Ayurvedic herb and it has been used for the treatment of stress since ages. Excessive neuron activity leads to the sleep disorders such as narcolepsy. Ashwagandha induces a calming anxiolytic effect. It produces calming, anti-anxiety, anti-convulsive and highly stabilising effects. It also exhibits an anti-depressant effect comparable with that induced by imipramine. It contains various active components that have effects on Central Nervous System (CNS) and act as anti-stress agents.
Dose: 1 capsule twice daily.
5. Amalaki Rasayan Capsules
Amalaki Rasayan Capsules of Planet Ayurveda are prepared from Amla or Indian gooseberry with a very specific process. Amla is the richest source of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is rich in anti-oxidant properties and aid in combating free radicals. It is also one of the most powerful rejuvenating herbs used by mankind since ages. Vitamin C is crucially needed for combating against the free radicals formed in the body during various chemical reactions. These capsules help in keeping the body fit and active.
Dose: 1 capsule twice daily after meals with water.
LIFESTYLE
- In order to fight the erratic sleep cycles of narcolepsy, it is very important to set a well chalked out routine of sleep. Go to bed at a regular routine and wake up at the same time every day.
- Avoid watching television, using mobile phones before going to sleep. For the patients suffering from narcolepsy, short naps of 15-20 minutes during the drowsiest part of the day is recommended.
- Physical activity is also very important in combating narcolepsy.
- Meditation for half to one hour daily is quite beneficial for the patients suffering from narcolepsy.
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