Healthier Sleep Magazine | Autumn 2021 | Daytime Sleepiness

Page 24

Co-Morbidities Associated with Narcolepsy Narcolepsy is a life-long sleep disorder that affects the brain’s ability to control sleep-wake cycles. With a prevalence of approximately 1 in 2000 individuals, a speedy diagnosis is typically rare. Oftentimes, individuals with narcolepsy also have other co-occurring medical conditions which can make a proper diagnosis difficult.

Narcolepsy presents unique challenges that negatively affect various facets of a person’s life. Even when an individual is optimally treated for the narcolepsy symptoms, other health, social, academic, and/or work-related issues may still be present. Attention to these potential co-morbidities associated with narcolepsy is essential to the comprehensive treatment and management plans.

High Blood Pressure Cognitive Deficits

10 Eating Disorders

Psychiatric/ Mental Health Disorders

1

High Cholesterol

2

9

3

8

4 7

Precocious Puberty

6 Weight Gain

24 | Autumn 2021 | Daytime Sleepiness

5 Chronic Pain

Diabetes

Cardiovascular Disease


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