NAR-Narcolepsy

NAR – Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks. People with narcolepsy can fall asleep unexpectedly regardless of the situation or level of sleepiness. These sleep attacks can occur while talking, eating or even driving.
The exact cause of narcolepsy is unknown, but a combination of genetic factors and abnormal signaling pathways in the brain are thought to play a role. In particular, a deficiency in hypocretin, a neurotransmitter that regulates wakefulness and REM sleep, is associated with the disorder.

The symptoms of narcolepsy can be varied and manifest in different ways. The most common symptoms include:
– Excessive daytime sleepiness: sufferers experience a strong urge to sleep that overtakes them at unexpected times, even if they have had adequate nighttime sleep.
– Cataplexy: A sudden loss of muscle tone, often triggered by strong emotions such as laughter or anger. This can cause sufferers to collapse or drop objects.
– Sleep paralysis: The inability to move or speak when falling asleep or waking up.
– Hallucinations: Vivid, dream-like experiences when falling asleep or waking up that can be perceived as real.
– Automatic behavior: Performing routine tasks without conscious control or memory of them.
– Disturbed night sleep: Difficulty sleeping through the night, leading to sleep fragmentation.

The chip is designed to help normalize the signaling pathways in the brain, adjust hypocritin production and regulate wakefulness and REM sleep phases.