Cause of Narcolepsy basically cannot be pinned to one specific factor. Narcolepsy treatment often starts between 15 and 25 years of age although it may become apparent at any age. In most cases, narcolepsy is undiagnosed and yes, it remains untreated.
Narcolepsy refers to the neurological disorder affecting the control of sleep and sleeplessness. People suffering from this disorder experience excessive daytime sleepiness and uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep in daytime. But the cause of narcolepsy is actually unknown. Nonetheless, scientists have made progress on identifying that genes are responsible for the disorder. Genes control the production of chemicals in the brain which can signal sleep and awake processes. There are experts thinking that narcolepsy is due to a deficiency in the production of a hypocretin in the brain.
There are researchers that have discovered abnormalities in brain parts that are actually involved in regulating (Rapid Eye Movement) REM sleep. Such abnormalities in fact contribute to symptom development. Experts say that it is likely narcolepsy that involves multiple factors interacting to cause neurological dysfunction and REM sleep disorders.
Eye movement is one cause of narcolepsy. Normally, when we are awake, brain waves show a regular rhythm. Once we are asleep, the brain waves become slower and move irregularly. The sleep state is a non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. After about an hour and a half of NREM sleep, the brain waves become more active again, though we are in a deep sleep. This is now called the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, wherein dreaming usually occurs. In narcolepsy, the order and length of NREM and REM sleep are affected and that’s the cause why a person suffers from this disorder.
Along with knowing the cause of this rare disease, the patient is more concerned about the diagnosis. The clinical examination and comprehensive medical history are essential for the proper diagnosis of this disorder. Nevertheless, there are many major symptoms that are exclusive to narcolepsy, as several specialized tests can be performed in a sleep disorders clinic. If you are having problems with your sleep, you might need help from an expert. Make sure that you give enough attention and time for that.
Cause of narcolepsy may lead you to find the solution soon if you just act now.