Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, disturbed nighttime sleep, sleep attacks, hypnagogic hallucinations and sleep paralysis. Low levels of hypocretin are linked to narcolepsy, although it is not yet known whether hypocretin deficiency is a result of narcolepsy or its cause, according to "Sleep and Its Disorders: What You Should Know." In addition to maintaining a regimented sleeping and waking schedule, many people with narcolepsy require medication to manage their symptoms. Some herbal remedies may complement the effects of the medication, helping people with narcolepsy to maintain improved alertness and get more restful sleep.
Consult your physician before using herbs to ease the symptoms of your narcolepsy.
Step 1
Take a 550 mg capsule of kola nut each morning upon waking. Kola nut, which is an herb native to western Africa, has naturally occurring caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that will help fight your excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep attacks. Many people with narcolepsy suffer from severe fatigue upon waking. A jolt of caffeine first thing upon waking will help combat that fatigue.
Step 2
Sip yerba mate tea throughout the day to help you stay awake throughout the day. Yerba mate is an herb native to South America, Bolivia, Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina with naturally occurring caffeine. Yerba mate leaves can be steeped in hot water to make an energy-boosting tea to combat your excessive daytime sleepiness.
Step 3
Take a 50 mg capsule of valerian root one hour before your bedtime. Valerian root is an herb native to Europe that helps improve sleep cycles. Many people of narcolepsy have incomplete sleep cycles, therefore valerian root helps you have a more restful night of sleep.
Step 4
Sip a cup of lemon balm tea 30 minutes before your bedtime. Lemon balm is an herb native to Europe that functions similarly to valerian root. Combined with valerian root, the lemon balm will help you improve your sleep cycles and feel more rested in the morning.
References
- "Foundations of Nursing"; Lois White, et al.; 2010
- "Making Plant Medicine"; Richo Cech, et al.; 2000
- "Sleep and Its Disorders : What You Should Know"; Robert G. Hooper M.D., et al.; 2001
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