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Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological sleep disorder that affects your normal sleep cycle and wakefulness. You may feel excessively sleepy during the daytime or may even get unconscious. The major narcolepsy symptoms include hallucinations (vivid dreams), muscle weakness or the inability to move at all (cataplexy), and sleep paralysis before falling asleep or after waking up. Scientists do not know the real narcolepsy causes, but Ayurveda believes that an imbalance in the doshas leads to the disease. Herbal treatment cannot substitute narcolepsy treatment. However, it can assist with the symptoms. So, here’s all about what is narcolepsy, its causes, symptoms and how its treated in Ayurveda.

What Is Narcolepsy?

The early sleep stage is followed by deep sleep. An individual then moves to Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep approximately after 1 hour 30 minutes – that’s a normal sleep cycle. However, people with narcolepsy enter REM sleep too quick and suffer from symptoms like vivid dreaming as well as movements during dreams.

It is a fatal sleep disorder that can get triggered at just any time, at any age, and in both men and women. But mostly, it is usually at the age of 7 to 25 that people develop the narcolepsy symptoms.

What Are The Narcolepsy Causes?

The exact causes of narcolepsy are unknown. However, there are some factors that might contribute to the development of the disease.

Lack of neurochemical hypocretin
Stress or emotional trauma
Autoimmune disorders
Brain injuries

What Are The Narcolepsy Symptoms?

Excessive sleepiness during the day
Cataplexy or sudden loss of muscle control
Sleep paralysis
Change in REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep
Hallucinations

What Is Narcolepsy Treatment?

1. Brahmi Reduces Stress.

One of the major narcolepsy causes is anxiety. Brahmi, an antidepressant, helps enhance your mood and fight depression. Take 250mg of Brahmi powder twice a day with one tablespoon of honey.

2. Ashwagandha Soothes The Nervous System.

One of the most used herbs in Ayurveda is ashwagandha. It stimulates the central nervous system and enhances brain functioning. Therefore, you can take a teaspoon of ashwagandha powder with one glass of warm milk at night before sleeping, to ease the narcolepsy symptoms.

3. Triphala Treats Neuropsychotic Conditions.

Triphala is a combination of three fruits – haritaki, vibhitaki, and amalaki. This mixture is effective in treating neurological disorders. So, boil 1g of haritaki, vibhitaki, and amalaki in 500ml of water. Steep the decoction for 10 minutes. Drink twice every day.

4. Peppermint Oil Helps Stay Awake.

Peppermint oil has a very uplifting fragrance that allows narcolepsy patients to stay awake when they need to. So, add a few drops of the oil, or any other citrus essential oil in a diffuser. This will help increase focus and concentration without falling asleep.

5. Shankhpushpi Improves Brain Functioning.

Problems in the nervous system can be one of the narcolepsy causes. Therefore, shankhpushpi, an Ayurvedic herb proves beneficial. It improves brain functioning as well as enhances the nervous system. So, take 3-5g of shankhpushpi powder once every day for better results.

Note: Articles on Ayurvedum are solely for the purpose of sharing the goodness of Ayurveda and bringing awareness on natural and healthy living. Please do not substitute it for professional medical advice. Ingredients discussed can interfere with certain medications. So, before using anything to treat yourself, always consult an Ayurveda doctor or practitioner.