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As World Narcolepsy Day approaches, a rare sleep disorder that causes a person to fall asleep suddenly at inappropriate times has gone undetected in the country, doctors in the United Arab Emirates say – an annual Awareness Day, aimed at focusing on neglected lives – changing neurological conditions.
In the world, 50 out of every 100,000 people suffer from narcolepsy, but there is little data on the prevalence in the UAE.
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However, Dr Shobhit Sinha, consultant neurologist at NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa, Abu Dhabi, said the prevalence in the UAE is 30-50 per 100,000 people.
“Diagnoses are often missed and/or delayed by more than a decade due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions such as epilepsy, mental illness, insomnia and sleep apnea,” he told Arabic English.
Symptoms include sleep attacks, daytime sleepiness, nightmares, hallucinations, and cataplexy — temporary muscle weakness in response to emotion. It’s usually caused by an autoimmune reaction — when the body releases antibodies that, instead of destroying the disease, attack healthy cells.
“There are five main symptoms of narcolepsy, abbreviated CHESS {cataplexy (which are sudden and usually brief (
“While all people with narcolepsy experience excessive daytime sleepiness, they may not experience all five symptoms.”
In narcolepsy, antibodies attack areas of the brain that produce sleep-regulating chemicals. There is currently no cure, but the condition can sometimes be managed with regular naps, healthy eating, and exercise.
Medications such as antidepressants or stimulants can also help in some cases.
“Norrhea can be treated in different ways,” Dr. Sinha said.
“First, behavioral education for patients, family and friends. Additionally, sleep hygiene and cognitive behavioral therapy are techniques for behavioral management of narcolepsy symptoms, such as talk therapy for distorted cognition, treatment adherence, timed medication and naps, while also managing mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression; and addressing psychosocial impacts through support groups.”
“There are also specific drugs to treat the symptoms of narcolepsy, such as drugs for cataplexy, stimulants for excessive daytime sleepiness, and antidepressants for sleep paralysis and hallucinations.”
Doctors say narcolepsy is unbearable.
“People with narcolepsy may experience mental confusion, poor memory, anxiety, phobias, and depression. In addition, narcolepsy patients have been reported to have an increased prevalence of cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases such as hypertension, Obesity, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. This further affects the social and professional life of patients.”
“Nevertheless, narcolepsy is a manageable disease and nearly everyone with narcolepsy can lead a fulfilling life. These challenges can be addressed by educating yourself, friends and family; medication adherence; sleep hygiene, And get involved with the Narcolepsy Support Network.”
Emilia Saulle, a consultant neurologist at Dubai Health Bay Clinic, also told Arabic English that narcolepsy often goes undetected, saying the condition affects “all aspects of daily life, including education, work, , driving ability and interpersonal relationships.”
Dr. Youssry Salah Shafiq Kerolos, a neurologist at Saudi German Hospital in Dubai, said the global incidence of narcolepsy is the highest in the second decade of life and often occurs in adolescents and young adults.
“People with narcolepsy may wake up feeling rested, but then feel very sleepy for most of the day, and they may fall asleep reluctantly even when they are driving, eating or talking, etc. “He says. “While there is no cure for narcolepsy, some symptoms can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes, such as napping, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine before bed and exercising every day.”
If left undiagnosed or treated, narcolepsy can interfere with psychological, social and cognitive function and development, and can inhibit academic, work and social activities, and patients are more likely to be involved in car crashes, Dr. Kerolos said.
“Sudden falling asleep or loss of muscle control can turn normally safe behaviors, such as walking down a long flight of stairs, into danger,” he said.
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