I feel dizzy and always want to sleep

I believe many people have this feeling, their heads are always dizzy and they always want to sleep. If this problem persists for a long time, you should pay close attention to it, because it may be a manifestation of narcolepsy. Once narcolepsy occurs, it will seriously affect a person's work efficiency and daily life, so it needs to be treated in time. Here is some information about narcolepsy!

1. Symptoms and Signs

Medical science defines hypersomnia as four main symptoms, which are called the hypersomnia tetrad:

Excessive daytime sleepiness – This symptom is always present and is usually the most noticeable.

Cataplexy - Cataplexy is the sudden or temporary loss of muscle mass, which causes paralysis of the head or body without loss of consciousness. It can last for a few seconds or a few minutes. Mild symptoms include slurred speech or stuttering, drooping eyelids or weak fingers that cannot hold objects. Severe cataplexy can cause the knees to buckle and cause collapse. Laughter, excitement or anger are typical causes of cataplexy. The sudden relaxation of muscle mass may be the result of the brain suddenly entering REM sleep. Less than half of patients with narcolepsy have cataplexy.

Sleep paralysis - Sleep paralysis means that a person is temporarily unable to move when falling asleep or waking up. It only lasts for a few minutes. Similar to cataplexy, sleep paralysis may also be related to an inadequate transition between REM sleep and wakefulness. Sleep paralysis is associated with hallucinations.

Hypnagogic hallucinations – These are mental, dream-like images that are often terrifying and often occur while falling asleep or just before sleep paralysis occurs.

2. Treatment Methods

Once drowsiness occurs, it is not easy to eliminate. In most cases, these symptoms of sleepiness can be successfully managed with treatment, regular naps, and good sleep habits.

Treatment is mainly symptomatic, and central nervous system stimulants can be used appropriately, such as 5-10 mg of methylphenidate taken half an hour before breakfast or lunch, starting with a small dose and gradually increasing the dose to a total of 30 mg per day, or 5-10 mg of amphetamine once a day and gradually increasing the dose to a total of 20 mg per day, or 37.5 mg of pemoline once a day, the effective dose is 37.5 mg to 75 mg.

The main symptom of hypersomnia - excessive daytime sleepiness - can be treated in several ways, such as taking stimulants like modafinil (Provigil), methylphenidate (Ritalin and other brand names), or dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), and taking regular naps during the day. Cataplexy and sleep paralysis can be treated with tricyclic antidepressants. Cataplexy can also be treated with oxytocin sodium, although use of this drug needs to be strictly controlled because it is abused in the entertainment industry.

3. Preventive Care

There is currently no way to prevent drowsiness. Avoiding conditions that can cause drowsiness may help reduce how often it occurs. If you have drowsiness and the symptoms are not controlled with medication, you should avoid injury by never driving, not smoking, etc.

Counseling for issues related to self-esteem and emotional support is important, especially for those who are lethargic, because they are not able to reach their full potential and may be viewed by family and peers as lazy and inactive.