Instructions

Treat Your Narcolepsy

1

Take your prescription medications as directed. Stimulants, such as Ritalin, modafinil and pemoline, have been very effective in treating narcolepsy and reducing the effects of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Additional medications have been used to treat some of the secondary symptoms of narcolepsy, such as cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle tone), sleep paralysis and hallucinatory episodes, that are common with narcoleptics.
2

Nap frequently throughout the day, especially if you have been experiencing insomnia at night. Taking naps right before activities, such as working or driving, can also be effective in reducing the frequency of EDS.
3

Try to go to bed the same time every night. Establishing routines, or sleep hygiene, can help reduce the effects of insomnia, a condition that leads to stronger and more frequent sleep attacks during the day.
4

Avoid alcohol and caffeine entirely. Not only can alcohol increase the chances of EDS, but it can also interact negatively with your prescription medication. Caffeine can aggravate insomnia, leading to a significant increase in EDS episodes during the day.
5

Check reliable online resources, such as SleepChannel.com and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website, for additional information about how to treat narcolepsy (see Resources below).
6

Keep your doctor fully informed about any changes in the frequency of EDS episodes, even if there is a significant reduction in the number of attacks. It's important to pinpoint the factors that are improving your narcolepsy, as well as those that serve to aggravate it.