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.