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Do I Have Narcolepsy?

Do I have narcolepsy? | Epworth Sleepiness Scale

Narcolepsy is often the first sleep disorder that comes to mind when an individual experiences Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS). In fact, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Restless Leg Syndrome, Periodic Limb Movement are more common and sleep deprivation is the leading cause of EDS. There are also many serious medical disorders that have EDS as a common symptom. This includes: heart, lung, liver and kidney diseases; diabetes; thyroid disorders; infections; neurological trauma and disorders; etc. Someone experiencing frequent “sleepiness” should definitely examine her or his sleep schedule to ensure a minimum of 7.5 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. While many people do not get enough sleep, sleep disorders are a reality and should be considered, particularly if the individual in question does get consistent, regular sleep. Regardless of the cause, though, EDS presents serious issues.

Excessive daytime sleepiness is certainly inconvenient and a potential source of embarrassment, but it also can lead to serious mistakes and accidents. Often, judgment and intellect are impaired by a lack of sleep. Decision-making and memory are housed in the pre-frontal cortex, a region of the brain significantly impacted by poor sleep. And, EDS, particularly when it occurs on a frequent basis, can be a clear symptom of treatable sleep and medical disorders and should never be ignored.

A clinical sleep study is necessary to diagnose a sleep disorder, but a simple test exists to help determine if sleepiness could be a sign of a sleep disorder. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), developed by Dr. Murray Johns of Epworth Hospital in Australia, enables a person to rate her or his level of sleepiness. If a person scores ten or more on the ESS, she or he should bring the completed document to a physician to discuss the possibility of a sleep disorder. The physician may not be familiar enough with sleep medicine to recognize the symptoms of a sleep disorder. With the help of this simple test and resources listed on Narcolepsy Network’a website, the physician and patient can become knowledgeable about potential disorders. Please note that an overnight sleep study in a sleep lab is the only way to test for narcolepsy and to thoroughly understand whether an individual actually has one or more sleep disorders. Also note that a sleep test for narcolepsy cannot be performed until any and all other existing sleep disorders are successfully treated.

Finally, Narcolepsy Network would like to remind everyone that EDS is only one symptom of narcolepsy. Many people with narcolepsy may also experience cataplexy, and/or hypnogogic hallucinations, and/or sleep paralysis, and/or disrupted nighttime sleep. More information about those symptoms can be found on our What is Narcolepsy? For most people with narcolepsy, EDS is the first noticeable sign of the disorder. A person experiencing any of the other symptoms should definitely contact a physician to discuss them. Please feel free to contact Narcolepsy Network and to join our Community Forum if you would like more information.

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Date Created: April 15th, 2008
Last Updated: March 16th, 2010