How To Manage Cataplexy

Cataplexy is a sudden, uncontrollable paralysis or weakness of the muscles that occurs in the day. It's most commonly triggered by strong emotions like laughter or excitement. Seemingly without warning, an individual dealing with cataplexy might lose muscle tone and have weakness in their trunk, legs, arms, and face. Their speech might be broken, their knees may buckle, and their jaw might go slack. During an episode of cataplexy, which typically lasts a minute or two, patients are awake and conscious of the situation but unable to move. Some individuals fall asleep following the episodes. Cataplexy episodes occur with varied frequency in individuals who have narcolepsy.

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Maintain A Regular Sleep Schedule

Cataplexy is commonly associated with narcolepsy, which is a sleep disorder that causes overwhelming drowsiness during the daytime and sudden 'sleep attacks,' in which patients can fall asleep seemingly without warning. A narcoleptic individual tends to have difficulty staying conscious for long time periods no matter the circumstances. While researchers still aren't sure what causes cataplexy, the main theory is it occurs when the muscle movements that usually happen during REM sleep instead occur during the waking hours. One of the main ways to manage this is by sticking to a sleep schedule. Individuals with cataplexy should have a strict bedtime and wake up at the same time each morning, even on the weekends. It might also help to schedule short naps regularly throughout the day.

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Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise can help patients manage symptoms of narcolepsy and cataplexy. Experts recommend engaging in moderate exercise at least four or five hours prior to sleeping. This helps expend some of the energy in the body and has been shown to promote more restful sleep. When an individual's sleep quality increases, they'll also feel more awake during the day. The endorphins released during the exercise itself may also promote wakefulness. When an individual's sleep cycle is more strictly regulated, they're less likely to have episodes where their body initiates REM movements while they are awake. Individuals should try engaging in forms of exercise they enjoy rather than forcing themselves to keep up fitness regimens they don't like.

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