Narcolepsy Management
Prevention
Scheduled Naps
- Regular scheduled short daytime naps can decrease sleepiness & improve alertness
- Fifteen- to twenty-minute naps every 4 hours during daytime are recommended
- Usually combined with other therapies
Other Management Approaches
- Avoid sleep deprivation
- Avoid frequent time zone changes
- Practice good sleep hygiene
- Regular exercise
- Increases daytime energy & improves sleeping patterns
Follow Up
- Regular follow-up every 6 months to 1 year is advised once stabilized on medication
- Monitor compliance & response to treatment
- Assess development of side effects (eg sleep disturbances, mood changes, cardiovascular & metabolic problems)
- Assist patients in adapting to the disorder