1. Behavior Modification
You can have some control of the frequency of narcoleptic episodes by changing certain behaviors, particularly those surrounding your sleep pattern. Make it a top priority to get ample sleep each night. As a rule, get at least 8 hours of sleep per night--more if your episodes remain frequent. In addition, make it a habit of taking notes in important meetings or conferences or, better still, using a tape recorder to record important conversations in the event you become drowsy or fall asleep. It's also a good idea for those with narcolepsy to schedule naps during the day to control when you fall asleep as much as possible. Finally, avoiding stimulants can prove effective in treating narcolepsy. Caffeine, sodas and energy drinks will disrupt your sleeping patterns and increase the likelihood you'll have difficulty falling asleep at night.
2. Medication
Medication for narcolepsy include Ritalin, Provigil, Anafranil and Tofranil. These medications help reduce daytime sleepiness, although they are known to cause headaches, irritability, nervousness and occasionally insomnia. Anafranil and Tofranil are antidepressants, which are used to treat both narcolepsy and depression, which is often associated with the sleep disorder. In addition to the above medications, Xyrem (gamma hydroxybutyrate, or GHB) is used to help when cataplexy (involuntary loss of muscle control) is a problem for narcoleptics. This drug has many side effects, including dizziness and vomiting and is thus typically reserved for the most extreme cases of narcolepsy.
3. Counseling
One of the prevalent side effects of a sleep disorder like narcolepsy is depression. Depression brings its own host of side effects including sleepiness and/or insomnia, which only serve to perpetuate the struggle against narcolepsy. Counseling, either privately with a psychologist or in a group setting, is important for helping to understand narcolepsy and controlling it. Sharing your experiences in a group will strengthen the knowledge you are not alone. In addition, psychologists can play a part in helping determine which medications would be ideal for treating your sleep disorder. Hospitals and medical clinics typically provide access to counselors and psychologists, and many group treatment options are available as a part of ongoing care.
