Doc says poss. Narcolepsy... but I don't think so?? - Sleep Disorders Message Board

KFXrider88 · 11-03-2006, 05:14 PM

Hi, I was hoping some people here can give me some advice. I went to a neurologist recently because my endocrinologist thought it would be good. THe neurologist wants me to get tested for Narcolepsy, but never once in my life have I just fallen asleep ( like a non predictable attack). I do have a problem with being tired, but I never fall asleep at random. And for me to go through the MSLT test, I have to call off a full day of work, which is extremely hard to do, so I am debating on wether to go or not. Does anyone here have any advice? does this sound like narcolepsy? doesn't there need to be sleep attacks present to even be considered to have narcolepsy?? Really, my only problems are low energy levels, hypo pituitarism, and a screwed up mood anymore, That doesn't seem like narcolepsy to me. Thankyou for any info you can give me!

BipolarKimmy · 11-10-2006, 03:25 AM

Hiya...sorry I can't give you much advice, i'm under investigation of possible narcolepsy, I have been "passing out" a lot lately...

You wouldn't think that it would be narcolepsy if you are having no attacks, but you fit into the rest of the symptoms. If the doctor thinks it is, wouldn't you feel a lot better knowing if it is or not by going to the sleep clinic?

mkgbrook · 11-13-2006, 02:53 PM

My sleep clinic offers night and weekend evaluations. Maybe you can find a center around you that does the same. I doubt they would want a night session, that is more for sleep apnea... but maybe there is a saturday session you can sign up for.

Sincerely,
MG

JHL · 11-13-2006, 03:09 PM

Note there's several different types of tests. One is a basic night time test where you show up around 8:00 pm, they hook up electrodes in order to monitor you and then watch you while you sleep at night. They're looking for a number of things such as sleep apnea, breathing problems, depth and length of sleep etc. They wake you up around 5:00 - 5:30 am and kick you out in order to make the rooms ready for the day. Don't expect to wake up refreshed.

There's also daytime tests that are conducted. I've had both where I show up during the day and they check to see if I fall asleep. Not much to it other than to see if (and how quick) you dose off.

There's also a test (pretty common) where they encorporate both the nighttime test and then instead of kicking you out they keep you hooked up and continue to monitor you. There are people who regardless of how well they sleep at night still fall asleep during the day. What the test involves is, at 2-hour intervals, they come in, shut off the lights ask you to lay down and see what happens. Again, do you fall asleep and, if so, how fast and how deep. They do this (usually) about 4 times and you leave the hospital around 2:00 pm.

I've taken all three tests. In the last scenario I slept pretty well during the night (surprise to both the doc and me as I've had problems at night) but still managed to fell asleep 4 out of 4 times during the day. The only cause I can come up with is a lot of stupid sports in the past (football, rugby and some boxing).

Good luck. Take the test(s) and be sure to duplicate your usual sleep patterns.

Countrygirl1 · 11-19-2006, 11:43 AM

KFX, I am not being evaluated for narcolepsy. I am being evaluated for idiopathic hypersomnia. Also, I have depression. So, this could also be lethergy from depression. However, to me (and I am no doctor), narcolepsy and IH have some similarities that you may want to investigate. Bottom line, it sounds as though the same medication can be used to treat both.