Narcolepsy is a persistent neurological condition that impairs a person’s ability to control their sleep-wake cycles. These individuals may suffer from extreme drowsiness during daytime, sleep attacks, and in some cases cataplexy or loss of muscle power triggered by strong feelings. Some may wonder: Is it necessary to wake someone with narcolepsy up if he falls asleep unexpectedly?
The answer is complex – it depends on the person’s circumstances as well as their own individual needs and desires. Let us study the science of narcolepsy along with the consequences of waking someone up from such a condition and best practices for helping them.
Brief Overview: Understanding Narcolepsy
There are two types of Narcolepsy:
Type 1 Narcolepsy (With cataplexy) – Caused by deficiency of a brain chemical called hypocretin (orexin) which stimulates wakefulness.
Type 2 Narcolepsy (Without cataplexy) – Symptoms are similar but do not involve muscle weakness even though some emotions are present.
Most Common Symptoms:
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS): Chronic sleepiness state irrespective of sleep at night.
Sleep Attacks: Episodic episodes of drowsing and dozing off suddenly.
Cataplexy: Sudden weakening of muscles, ranging from mild to moderate slurred speech, or full body collapse.
Sleep Paralysis & Hallucinations: Startling , unpleasant , yet vivid experiences while falling asleep or waking up.
Because of these symptoms, people with narcolepsy are likely to fall asleep at inopportune times such as during a conversation, meal, or even while walking.
Should You Wake Someone with Narcolepsy?
Waking someone with narcolepsy is contingent on multiple considerations:
Safety Comes First
You absolutely need to wake the person up if they’re in a potentially dangerous situation such as standing, driving, or operating heavy machinery.
Unnecessary Interruptions May Do More Harm Than Good
Because of narcolepsy, individuals often don’t receive restorative sleep at night, due to disrupted sleep architecture. They may be better off left undisturbed in a safe environment, as a short nap will make them more alert afterwards.
They Need A Change of Pace
Some narcoleptic patients would rather be woken up shortly after a set for them nap to avoid falling into deep grogginess associated with waking. Others may require more time to sleep before feeling rejuvenated. If feasible, it is best to ask them ahead of time what their preferences are.
Be Gentle When Waking Them
If you have to wake them up, do so gently. Rough awakenings can result in:
Sleep inertia (extreme grogginess/sleep drunkenness)
Disorientation
Increased anger and agitation
A light touch on the shoulder or a soft call is more effective than shaking them roughly.
Medical Treatments & Lifestyle Adjustments for Narcolepsy
Although narcolepsy is not curable, treatments may assist in alleviating symptoms through:
Medications:
Stimulants (Modalert 200 mg, Armodafinil, Methylphenidate) – increase alertness.
Sodium Oxybate (Xyrem/Xywav) – enhances sleep quality at night and mitigates cataplexy.
Antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs) – assists in controlling cataplexy and REM related symptoms.
Lifestyle & Behavioral Strategies:
Scheduled Naps – set, brief naps (10-20 mins) can enhance alertness.
Sleep Hygiene – performing consistent rituals like maintaining a dark, cool room for sleeping.
Diet & Exercise – refrain from heavy meals and caffeinated drinks before sleeping. Regular physical activity helps manage sleep.
Final Thoughts: To Wake or Not to Wake?
It is situationally best to:
Let them sleep if they are safe and the nap is brief.
Wake them if they are in danger.
Engage with them and find out their preferences.
Narcolepsy is certainly a difficult disorder to cope with, but with the right approach and the consideration from people around, a person can live a well-balanced life. If someone in your life has narcolepsy, the best way to support them is through empathy, patience, and a slow integration of adaptation to their lifestyle.