Having a proper sleep every day is important for normal functioning of the human body. But some people suffer from various sleep disorders that severely affects the quality of life. Some sleeping disorders lead to the patient sleeping excessively. It is a serious health problem that can make it difficult to live a life normally. There are several sleep disorders that have a disastrous impact on a person’s life and one of the most severe sleep disorders is narcolepsy.

What is narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a continuing sleep-related disorder that makes it very difficult for the patient to stay awake for long periods. A person suffering from this ailment cannot lead a normal life as there is a tendency to fall asleep irrespective of the surroundings. For instance, one can fall asleep while driving, while sitting for an examination or even while playing a sport. The impact of narcolepsy extends beyond the physical implications as it can affect mental health as well as the financial health of an individual.

Causes of narcolepsy
Though, no specific cause has been identified as being responsible for narcolepsy but there are certain risk factors that can be attributed as perpetrators of this health condition. Some of the widely known causes are:

  • Low levels of histamine in the blood
  • Hereditary factors i.e. inherited through genes
  • Reduced levels of hypocretin in the brain
  • Injuries to the brain such as those caused by a stroke or tumor
  • Extended exposure to environmental toxins such as weedicides, heavy metals, and pesticides
  • Deficiency of Vitamin D in the body
  • Having contracted swine flu in the past

Natural remedies for narcolepsy
Though there are several medical treatments for narcolepsy this condition is incurable. The treatments only focus on controlling the symptoms. Following are the most useful natural remedies that can help.

  • Understand the sleeping pattern
    The affected person should identify his/her natural sleep pattern, it then becomes possible to schedule power naps. Taking power naps at regular intervals reduces the chances of falling asleep abruptly and regulates the sleeping cycle.
  • Increased consumption of Vitamin D
    Lack of Vitamin D in the body is a common phenomenon in most patients suffering from narcolepsy. Vitamin D deficiency is responsible for pain and fatigue in the body. In addition to taking Vitamin D supplements, one must supplement the intake by sitting in directly sunlight.
  • Exercise
    Patients suffering from this ailment tend to experience depression and poor quality of sleep. By incorporating 20 minutes of exercise into the daily routine, one can effectively manage these symptoms. Yoga, pilates, and walking are some light exercises that can be easily performed by patients suffering from narcolepsy.
  • Omega 3
    Consumption of Omega 3 rich foods such as salmon, mackerel, and flaxseed can help improve the cognitive functions and control the symptoms of narcolepsy.

There is no way to get rid of this incurable ailment but with natural remedies it can be effectively managed.