Narcolepsy is a rare sleep disorder which affects one in every 3,000,000 people worldwide, including here in Kenya. Some of narcolepsy’s key symptoms are excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep attacks, sudden micro sleeps, and disrupted nighttime sleep. People living with Narcolepsy and those who remain undiagnosed especially in Kenya/Africa under go stigma because of the Excessive…
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Founder and CEO of Thrive Global, states; “Sleep is central to every aspect of our mental and physical health. And this is true at every age, from birth onward. The profound importance of sleep in having a healthy, happy and long life never wanes.” For the third year, World Sleep Day is being endorsed by…
MD is Professor of Medicine and Co-Director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Sleep Medicine. Dr. Morgenthaler has been working as a sleep medicine specialist for over 22 years. When asked about the connection between healthy sleep and healthy aging, Dr. Morgenthaler states, “Getting good quality and quantity of sleep is one key to aging…
Co-Director of the Mayo Center for Sleep Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota, says, “Emphasizing this year’s theme of “Healthy Sleep, Healthy Aging”, for most adults, getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep tonight might be the most important thing you can do to improve your future physical and mental health. Children need even more sleep for…
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In Kenya, we will be hosting an Online Campaign under the #Usingiziinitiative, Join the Conversation. to find out more visit www.maryannenjuguna.com World Sleep Day is an annual event to raise awareness of sleep disorders and the burden that they place on society. The 12th annual World Sleep Day will be held on Friday, March 15,…
Introduction Children with rare or undiagnosed conditions – such as narcolepsy – are members of neighborhood schools across the country. School can, and should, be a great place for everyone, including those with unique medical conditions, to access their education. Narcolepsy can affect children differently, and children who have it vary greatly in intelligence, behavior,…
A guide for educators and parents with Essential information for all: School Nurses, School Administrators, Special Education Teams, Parents, Teachers, Students Narcolepsy Symptoms Narcolepsy is caused by the loss of brain cells that produce hypocretin, the chemical that regulates sleeping and waking. Symptoms include: Excessive Day Time Sleepiness (EDS): “recurrent periods of an irresistible need…
The consequences of narcolepsy may be many and far-reaching. Cataplexy may interfere with physical activities, and efforts to avoid emotions may lead to social withdrawal. Sleep attacks and cataplexy in public are embarrassing and can cause serious social difficulties. Inability to work and/or drive may result in loss of independence, financial difficulties and various other problems. In these situations, a person can easily lose…
In Kenya, diagnosis is normally done by undergoing Electroencephalography (EEG) which monitors brain waves, a specialist will analyse your test results to determine whether you have normal brain wave activity, breathing patterns, and muscle and eye movement. Read more about EEG Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is often the first symptom to appear, and, for some, the primary symptom of narcolepsy. However, EDS is…
Narcolepsy has no cure The goal is to decrease EDS and reduce occurrences of cataplexy using minimal medication, EDS and cataplexy must be treated separately. Traditionally, central nervous system stimulants (i.e., Ritalin, Dexedrine, etc.) have been used for EDS. In 1999, Provigil (Modafinil) was the first stimulant approved for treatment of EDS associated with narcolepsy. Nuvigil, a longer-acting formulation of modafinil, has…