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Related Concept Videos

Narcolepsy01:07

Narcolepsy

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Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
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The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...
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Sedatives and hypnotics encompass a wide range of substances, each with its unique mechanism of action, uses, and potential adverse effects.
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CNS depressants include drugs from the category of barbiturates and benzodiazepines. They are valuable medications for managing anxiety disorders and insomnia. Barbiturates, once used to induce and maintain sleep, have been replaced mainly by benzodiazepines due to barbiturate's toxicity, tolerance, and overdose risks. They interact with GABAA receptors, leading to sedation at low doses and potentially coma and death at higher doses. Phenobarbital, a long-acting barbiturate, possesses...
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Complementary and alternative medicine use in narcolepsy.

Benedicte Marie Finger1, Annika Triller1, Ashley M Bourke2

  • 1Center for Narcolepsy and Clin. Sleep and Neuroimmunology, Institute of Immunology, University Witten/Herdecke, Witten, DE, USA.

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Summary

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is common among German narcolepsy patients, with many finding it helpful. CAM users reported more side effects and lower adherence to conventional treatments.

Keywords:
Alternative medicineCataplexyComplementary medicineExcessive daytime sleepinessNarcolepsy

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Integrative Medicine

Background:

  • Narcolepsy management involves behavioral strategies and pharmacological treatments.
  • Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is prevalent in Europe and among those with chronic neurological disorders.
  • The study aimed to assess CAM utilization in German narcolepsy patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of CAM use in narcolepsy patients.
  • To characterize the types of CAM therapies employed.
  • To understand the impact and patient-reported outcomes of CAM use.

Main Methods:

  • An online survey was conducted to collect demographic and disease-related data.
  • CAM use frequency and impact were assessed using a pre-determined questionnaire.
  • The questionnaire covered five domains of CAM: alternative medical systems, biologically based therapies, energy therapies, mind-body interventions, and manipulative/body-based therapies.

Main Results:

  • Fifteen percent of participants currently used CAM for narcolepsy, with an additional 18% reporting past use.
  • Vitamins/trace elements, homeopathy, and meditation were the most frequently used CAM therapies.
  • CAM users reported more frequent medication side effects and lower adherence to pharmacological treatment compared to non-users.

Conclusions:

  • CAM use is common in narcolepsy patients, indicating an unmet need for symptom management, particularly for sleepiness and psychological well-being.
  • CAM users exhibited higher rates of medication change, adverse events, and lower adherence.
  • The overall impact of CAM on narcolepsy appears limited.