Natural Remedies and Personal Care Strategies for Narcolepsy Management
Narcolepsy, a neurological sleep disorder that affects daytime wakefulness and nighttime sleep, can be challenging to live with. However, various treatments and self-care strategies can help manage its symptoms.
A 2020 study found that meditation-relaxation therapy reduced the chance of sleep paralysis and visual hallucinations in people with narcolepsy. Mental health professionals can also help manage the emotional aspects of living with the condition.
When it comes to sleep, regular physical activity, particularly cardio exercise, can help reduce daytime sleepiness and the likelihood of experiencing cataplexy, one of the common symptoms of narcolepsy. A low carb diet, such as the keto diet, may also help manage symptoms, including reducing daytime sleepiness and the chance of sleep paralysis.
For those struggling with insomnia, a 2016 clinical trial found superior results for Mongolian warm acupuncture compared to drug therapy. Warming the skin on the trunk, face, and thighs while cooling hands and feet may result in better sleep. Conversely, heating up hands and feet during sleep can lead to more wakefulness throughout the night and a decrease in restorative sleep.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) apps can help track sleep cycles, regulate emotions, and develop actionable skills to manage symptoms. Mind-body interventions, such as biofeedback therapy, guided imagery, meditation, and various relaxation techniques, may improve the quality of sleep in people with narcolepsy.
Strategic napping can help reduce fatigue and sleepiness during the day. In the German-speaking region, professional support for people with narcolepsy includes educating employers and colleagues about the condition, allowing planned short naps at work—both in the morning and afternoon—to help manage symptoms, as well as prescribing stimulant medications to increase alertness. Workplaces ideally provide opportunities to lie down briefly during the day to cope with the neurological disorder affecting sleep-wake rhythm.
It's important to note that some natural supplements may interact with medications and could cause side effects. Therefore, it's crucial to discuss options with a healthcare professional before trying them.
Treatments for narcolepsy are available, but there is currently no cure. Patient advocacy groups for people with narcolepsy can provide information about the disorder and new treatments. Joining support groups can help develop new coping skills and learn from others' experiences.
Sleep hygiene habits, such as following a regular sleep-and-wake schedule, keeping the bedroom comfortable, avoiding electronics in bed, and relaxing before bedtime, can improve sleep quality. Using a thermosuit to increase the temperature of specific areas of the body at night (trunk, abdomen, face, and thighs) can help decrease episodes of wakefulness during the night and improve restorative sleep.
While these strategies can help manage narcolepsy symptoms, it's essential to remember that everyone's experience with the condition is unique. Consulting with healthcare professionals and support groups can provide personalised advice and support. Self-care, including strategic napping, regular physical activity, and a low carb diet, can support professional treatments for narcolepsy. Warm acupuncture may potentially help relieve symptoms of narcolepsy, although more research is needed.
