Causes of Fatigue Slideshow Pictures Take the Sleep Quiz! Foods That Help or Harm Your Sleep Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Selim R Benbadis, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

Narcolepsy Treatment

Self-Care at Home

• Sleep hygiene is very important. For example, many people have an improvement in their symptoms if they maintain a regular sleep schedule, usually seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
  
  
• Scheduled naps during the day also help. One study suggested that the optimal sleep pattern is a combination of scheduled nighttime sleep (such as from 11:00 pm to 7:30 am) and two 15-minute naps.
  
  
• Patient's with narcolepsy should also avoid heavy meals and alcohol (as it can interfere with sleep).
  
  
• Driving  should be restricted when the patient feels sleepy.
  
  
• Children should be encouraged to participate in after-school activities and sports. A well-designed exercise program can be beneficial and stimulating.
  
  
• Parents should request school personnel to excuse the child from activities if he or she appears drowsy.