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Narcolepsy (Falling asleep at inappropriate times)

 
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PostPosted: Dec Thu 14, 2006 11:12 pm    Post subject: Narcolepsy (Falling asleep at inappropriate times) Reply with quote

Narcolepsy (Falling asleep at inappropriate times)

My Dad fell asleep at the wheel today and thank God he is okay. He has been falling asleep everywhere. He will no longer be driving.
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We used Master Gland for narcolepsy. Seemed to take care of the problem. -Angelica Pattison
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Has he tried anything to support his nervous system like St. John's Wort? Look for a root cause, maybe Candida is a good place to start. I know when I had a Candida problem I was very sleepy during the day and needed to take naps. My info says that Narcolepsy may be inherited but still worth looking into other causes. I would work on Nervous System and adrenals and work on diet. -Chottsie
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You may want to get a copy of Prescription for Nutritional Healing (second edition) by James F Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A Balch, C.N.C. On page 401-402 you will find information about this condition followed by suggestions for Nutrients, Herbs, Recommendations and Considerations. -Carma Carlson
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You might start by building the adrenal glands. -Carol Matz
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We had some success with Wild American Ginseng and Korean Ginseng. Large doses, switching back and forth. Constipation improved also. -Judy Vedde
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This is a problem I had suffered with for so many years. Falling asleep "at the drop of a hat"! While Driving, in classes, (very frustrating as I was paying to learn) even sometimes while consulting. In Church! Any time I WAS SITTING STILL. I was told it was a demonic problem by a 'friend'. I have a distributor with the same complaint and one day we were testing him for many things when Epilepsy came up! There I believe we have the answer! Because the 'sleeps' can be from moments to longer ones. I had done a real study on syphilis after getting a run of cases. I searched through so many books, including many medical ones. There is a saying "Know this disease in it's many forms and you will know ALL DISEASES" In amongst the list was Epilepsy. It is so easy to pick up non sexually. Probably eighty per cent or more is picked up that way and they do not have the symptoms you may read about. There is also the big family of the animal variety, called leptospirosis! A real easy way to get this is through mosquito bites! I would suggest that if a bite bleeds under the skin and you have not got Thrombocytopenia, (low platelets) then you have gained some spirochetes. I have experienced that as have some of my patients. I live where they have been spending millions of dollars spraying to eradicate a certain mosquito. I have a set of nosodes that I use to test with. I rarely tell the patient the cause unless I know them really well. I would suggest... Para Cleanse and any other parasite singles or combinations we have that she tests out for, especially HVP. I learned about leptospirosis from experience living with my farmer husband, I was actually treating him when he picked up some bad doses, some years before I found out what it was! That was in days of HVS. Some form of digest enzymes. Plenty of pure water. Good healthy food. Make sure the bowels are moving enough. Maybe you can suggest enemas (I am not a fan but there are times when they are needed.) When you get to know the person better you could let them know the cause if possible, as it can be recurring. Much strengthening in the brain area as with re-infection, it loves to go to the same location. Also this may take some time to achieve! -Valerie
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Narcoepilepsy IS a type of epilepsy. GABA is being used with great success. Hope this document helps About.com http--www.sfn.org-briefings-epilepsy.html. (See ""Epilepsy and GABA Article"" file.) MORE THAN JUST NODDING OFF

a.. Waking up is hard to do
b.. The consequences of narcolepsy
c.. Diagnosing narcolepsy
d.. Treatment - Medications and modifications Most of us know what it's like to drift into sleep while sitting in a class or meeting after a sleepless night. Your head bobs and weaves, voices become distant drones, and you finally succumb to eyelids that seem to be weighed down by iron. Still, if you can catch up on lost sleep, you can usually count on being alert the next day. But what if, no matter how much sleep you get, you continue to fall asleep uncontrollably 覧 while driving a car, giving a presentation, or even during an intimate moment with a loved one? Narcolepsy is derived from the Greek word narke, meaning "stupor." This sleep disorder is characterized by overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sleep "attacks," in which affected people are unable to stay awake, regardless of the circumstance. A. WAKING UP IS HARD TO DO While the cause of narcolepsy isn't known, it's thought to be a neurologic problem with the sleep-wake mechanisms in the brain. The normal process of falling asleep begins with a phase called non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. During this phase, your brain waves slow down considerably. After an hour or two of NREM sleep, your brain activity picks up again, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep begins. Most dreaming occurs during REM sleep. Narcolepsy is caused by mixed-up brain signals about when to enter NREM and REM sleep. People with this disorder may, at any time, begin to feel drowsy, and then drop instantly into "dream sleep." After a few minutes, they will wake up feeling refreshed 覧 only to have another sleep attack in as little as an hour. B. CONSEQUENCES OF NARCOLEPSY The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that as many as 200,000 Americans have narcolepsy, but only about 50,000 are diagnosed. The disorder is often mistaken for depression, simple lack of sleep, or other conditions that cause abnormal sleep patterns. The first symptoms usually appear in the teens and early 20s, but an average of 15 years passes before most people are diagnosed.

People with narcolepsy may experience serious problems in their professional and personal lives. Undiagnosed narcoleptics may be perceived as lazy, lethargic, or rude, and their performance may suffer at school or work. Intimate relationships also are often affected. Extreme sleepiness may cause low sex drive or impotence, and people with narcolepsy may even fall asleep while making love. The problems caused by sexual dysfunction may be further complicated by emotional difficulties. Intense feelings, such as anger or joy, can trigger some symptoms of narcolepsy, causing affected people to withdraw from emotional interactions. Sleep attacks also may result in physical harm to people with narcolepsy. Affected people whose symptoms aren't managed may be at increased risk of car accidents, burns and cuts if they fall asleep while driving, smoking or preparing food. C. DIAGNOSING NARCOLEPSY Physicians may make a preliminary diagnosis of narcolepsy based on a person's experience of both excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and sudden loss of muscle tone (cataplexy) 覧 the hallmark symptoms of narcolepsy. After an initial diagnosis, physicians will usually refer the person to a sleep specialist for additional studies and evaluation. Formal diagnosis may require staying overnight at a sleep center. There,electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes are placed on your scalp before you fall asleep in a comfortable, quiet room. Sleep technicians in another room monitor your brain activity while you sleep. The next day, you will be asked to try to nap several times. Specialists will observe how quickly you fall asleep, and whether you enter REM sleep. People with narcolepsy will generally fall asleep in 8 or fewer minutes, and will enter REM sleep at least 50 percent of the time. TREATMENT 覧 MEDICATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS Though there is no cure for narcolepsy, a number of medications and lifestyle modifications can help manage the symptoms. Amphetamines and other stimulants that act on the central nervous system (CNS) have long been the primary treatment to help people with narcolepsy stay awake during the day. While these medications improve symptoms in many people, they may cause side effects and can be addictive. In addition to medications, lifestyle modifications are very important in managing the symptoms of narcolepsy. If you have narcolepsy, you may benefit from the following:

a.. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends.
b.. Schedule several naps of 10-15 minutes each day.
c.. Avoid caffeine and nicotine.
d.. Tell your employer or teachers about your condition and work together to find ways to accommodate your needs. This may include taking naps during the day, breaking up monotonous tasks, tape recording meetings or class periods, standing during meetings or lectures, and taking brisk walks at various points throughout the day. The Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 prohibited discrimination against workers with narcolepsy and required employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified employees.
e.. If you must drive a long distance, work with your doctor to establish a medication schedule that ensures the greatest likelihood of wakefulness during your drive. Stop for naps and exercise breaks whenever you feel drowsy.
FOUR CLASSIC NARCOLEPSY SYMPTOMS
a.. Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) 覧 Narcolepsy's primary characteristic is an overwhelming drowsiness and uncontrollable need to sleep during the day.
b.. Cataplexy 覧 Cataplexy, the sudden loss of muscle tone, is the second most common symptom of narcolepsy. It can cause a range of physical changes, from slurred speech to total physical collapse, lasting for a few seconds to a few minutes. Cataplexy is often triggered by strong emotional responses.
c.. Sleep paralysis 覧 Less commonly, people with narcolepsy experience a temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or waking. Sleep paralysis is characteristic of the immobility that often accompanies REM sleep, which experts believe serves to prevent the body from acting out dream activity.
d.. Hypnagogic hallucinations 覧 These hallucinations may take place when people with narcolepsy fall quickly into REM sleep. Because they may be semi-awake when they begin dreaming, they experience dreams as reality. According to the National Institutes of Health, the majority of people with narcolepsy experience both EDS and cataplexy, while the other two symptoms occur in 25 percent to 50 percent of affected people. Other narcolepsy symptoms include restless nighttime sleep and occasional automatic behavior. During episodes of automatic behavior, the affected person performs routine tasks without awareness or memory of doing them. ゥゥ 1995-1999, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. -Paula Mohr
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I would certainly look at her diet first. She may be having trouble with her blood sugar. This is a very common problem with our "poor eating habits" today,...most people begin the morning with too many carbohydrates and not nearly enough protein, when this happens, the blood sugar level rises quickly, which usually give you a bit of energy, but then quickly drops, leaving you with a "foggy head" and a fatigue with bouts of "sleepiness". The best thing you can do for her to begin with is to make sure she starts her day with adequate protein, and if possible, a protein snack mid-morning. Also make certain she is getting adequate vitamins and minerals to begin the day...you also might try adding Chromium as an additional mineral, this will help balance unstable blood sugar. -Peg Thorsnes
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Sounds like narcolepsy. I have helped several folks with Nutri Calm. We were using 3 3xs a day with 2 Suma and Evening Primrose for the nervous system. -Carroll Knauf
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For narcolepsy I have great results w/Chinese Mineral Chi, Ginkgo, Hawthorn and Recovery Drink. The prescription drug for this is similar to Nature's Chi, except that the drug can cause seizures. - Inge Wetzel
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We have had good results with:
Herbal Potassium
Bowel Cleanse
Lower the carbs (which does not mean to add more protein)
Work with the Thymus gland (Fenugreek & Thyme and Thymus Glandular) -Tonja Wells
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* Things to check on: Regular sleep habits, thyroid, allergies. Marilyn Navarro
* Digestive system sluggish? or the balance between the carbs, proteins and fats is off, it affects the feedback loops with neurotransmitters. It causes an imbalance with certain ones being produced and others not being initiated. Somewhat like the tryptophan in turkey. ENZYMES, work on the flora levels so getting the proper exchange of serotonin in the colon area. BIFIDOPHILUS. Try a cleanse to make sure her bowel is moving. Kim
* Could be caused by hypoglycemia. - Patsy Reynolds
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Pantothenic acid . -L. Nicholes
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This does not have to be Narcolepsy. Depending on his age and his present health condition it could be what is called TIA's, or mini strokes they are called, but not as severe. They cause a brief lack of oxygen to the brain that can cause s/s like what may appear as falling asleep at the wheel. It could be anything really, best to get it checked out by a doctor if you have not already. -Darcy
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You said you fell asleep during "classes". . . . . I would judge you to be younger then. I would look at diet, blood sugar and/or adrenals. Protein first thing in the morning will often take care of blood sugar and adrenal issues. No caffeine or sugar/sugar substitutes (at least until you get this under control).

Supplement suggestions:
B-Complex
Pantothenic Acid
Chromium

Licorice Root
Chinese Mineral Chi
Adrenal Support
-Georgiana
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I suffer with Narcolepsy also. Falling asleep in Classes is a chronic problem. So frustrating when you are paying to learn and cannot keep awake!!!! Even 1 or 2 minutes nod-off will help me stay awake better. Narco-[epi]-lepsy. I believe the cause is certain parasites! Falling asleep sitting up is common. Falling asleep driving is one of my most dangerous problems. But recently I had 6 or 7 cups of fluid before a 5 hour journey and did not have a problem. So Last Thursday morning I left on the same 5 hour journey again at 2.30am and managed 2 1/2 hours driving before the symptoms appeared. I thought Focus Attention would help, but no! I would suggest *look at her bowel habits, *Is she drinking enough fluid? *test if she can take 10 Dong Quai a day for 1 bottle then cut down to 2 daily. [Thins the blood so it can circulate better everywhere, and may even wipe out a few types of parasites. *Test her holding some HY-A [Hypoglycemia= low blood sugar] then holding some P14 [hyperglycemia= high blood sugar]. *She may be short of protein. *She may have polycythemia, a blood condition that gives one thicker blood. these sufferers have a problem of not really getting thirsty, so they do not drink, hardly. It is an inherited condition... I would suggest get onto a really good diet, watch the fats [olive oil is OK] and the sugars [honey generally Ok also]. If you do kinesiology, test regularly. Do the above first then look at a general parasite cleanse, then a tapeworm one, then a Tiao He Cleanse. To bed by 9.30pm each night. Please let me know how you get on. These have all been my problems. I was the only one in a family of 9 with the narcolepsy, but 4 of them also had Polycythemia. I have had good spells with no symptoms over the years but as I lead such a busy life I had not kept a record of all I took and when.

We had Dr. Jeffery Bland here Tuesday. After a 5 hour drive I managed a 1/2 hour sleep, before being woken by a wee grandson. Then 1 hour later the Seminar, during which I had one spell only, of trying to keep awake. But this time, during the second session,[they have it in 3 parts] I was having a most uncomfortable time as the bowels were want to clean out, but the crush in the room was such I did not want to draw attention to myself by wending my way all down the length then across the width of the packed room. On top of that I would miss a good part of the lecture. So I am also wondering if the clean bowels help as well. The lecture was approx 5 hours and there were, I am sure, over 12 medical doctors in attendance. I had taken 10 Dong Quai at the beginning of the day along with a few others. Keeps the blood flowing and does a little or more maybe, parasite killing. As long as I am moving I can stay awake! -Valerie Steiner
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We have had good results with:

Herbal Potassium
Bowel Cleanse
Lower the carbs (which does not mean to add more protein)
Work with the Thymus gland (Fenugreek & Thyme and Thymus Glandular) -JS
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Trying to get as much info as possible. Anyone have any suggestion. From what I can glean, it sounds as if the adrenals are involved. -Tonja Wells
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* Things to check on: Regular sleep habits, thyroid, allergies. -Marilyn Navarro
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* Digestive system sluggish? or the balance between the carbs, proteins and fats is off, it affects the feedback loops with neurotransmitters. It causes an imbalance with certain ones being produced and others not being initiated. Somewhat like the tryptophan in turkey. ENZYMES, work on the flora levels so getting the proper exchange of serotonin in the colon area. BIFIDOPHILUS. Try a cleanse to make sure her bowel is moving. -Kim
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* Could be caused by hypoglycemia. -Patsy Reynolds
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