What Causes Narcolepsy?The question of what causes Narcolepsy is one that doctors and scientists still aren't able to answer with any real degree of certainty. Of course, for sufferers of this sleep disorder, that isn't very reassuring!
According to the most up to date information and research, experts believe that there may be several factors that contribute to the causes of the neurological sleep disorder called narcolepsy... ... and that they may work in combination with one another. What the experts say!When studying what causes narcolepsy, researchers have found abnormalities in certain areas of the brain of narcoleptics, who also seem to have lowered levels of the brain chemical 'hypocretin'.Hypocretin helps regulate your sleep/wake cycles, and keeps you in a state of wakefulness. The area of the brain that researchers have found to be damaged/abnormal is one that controls the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage of sleep. It's thought likely that a combination of these factors, plus possibly others as yet unknown, hold the answer to the question 'what is narcolepsy?". Two other contributing causes, are a genetic component which puts some people at a higher risk of developing this disorder. If they are then exposed to additional 'triggers' such as infection/injury of the brain or horomonal changes, this can trigger narcolepsy symptoms. A traumatic brain injury, even in someone without a genetic link, can also be one of the causes of narcolepsy.
The 'Big Picture'According to research, the possible causes of narcolepsy so far identified include -
Some things that may increase your risk of developing narcolepsy include -
Although the above causes/risk factors contribute to our understanding of what causes narcolepsy, scientists and researchers still have a long way to go before they have any solid working knowledge of the underlying mechanics of this sleep disorder. The symptoms of narcolepsy can wreak havoc on every area of your life, and if you believe you're suffering from this disorder it's vital to discuss it with your doctor. An accurate diagnosis will help you find the treatment you need. Once you can control and manage this problem, your sleep patterns will become much more normal and your quality of life will finally be on the upward swing! Page/Article Links:
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