Mațotă, A.-M.; Bordeianu, A.; Severin, E.; Jidovu, A. Exploring the Literature on Narcolepsy: Insights into the Sleep Disorder That Strikes during the Day. NeuroSci2023, 4, 263-279.
Mațotă, A.-M.; Bordeianu, A.; Severin, E.; Jidovu, A. Exploring the Literature on Narcolepsy: Insights into the Sleep Disorder That Strikes during the Day. NeuroSci 2023, 4, 263-279.
Mațotă, A.-M.; Bordeianu, A.; Severin, E.; Jidovu, A. Exploring the Literature on Narcolepsy: Insights into the Sleep Disorder That Strikes during the Day. NeuroSci2023, 4, 263-279.
Mațotă, A.-M.; Bordeianu, A.; Severin, E.; Jidovu, A. Exploring the Literature on Narcolepsy: Insights into the Sleep Disorder That Strikes during the Day. NeuroSci 2023, 4, 263-279.
Abstract
The objective of this literature review was to provide an up-to-date overview, and an analysis of the current knowledge on narcolepsy.
A systematic search was conducted in different databases to identify relevant studies on various aspects of narcolepsy. The search terms included "narcolepsy," "excessive daytime sleepiness," "cataplexy," and related terms. The search was limited to studies published up until 2022. The initial screening of studies was performed based on titles and abstracts to identify potentially relevant articles. Full-text assessment was then conducted to determine the eligibility of each study for inclusion in the review. Studies were included if they provided information on the symptoms, classification, genetic aspects, impact on daily life, and gaps in knowledge regarding narcolepsy.
The review reveals several important findings regarding narcolepsy:
1. the classification of narcolepsy - Type 1 narcolepsy, previously known as narcolepsy with cataplexy, and Type 2 narcolepsy, also referred to as narcolepsy without cataplexy.
2. the genetic component of narcolepsy and the complex nature of the disorder, which is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, disrupted sleep patterns, and potential impacts on daily life activities and social functioning.
3. the important implications for clinical practice in the management of narcolepsy. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the different types of narcolepsies and their associated symptoms, as this can aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. The review underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach to narcolepsy management, involving specialists in sleep medicine, neurology, psychiatry, and psychology. Clinicians should consider the impact of narcolepsy on a person's daily life, including their ability to work, study, and participate in social activities, and provide appropriate support and interventions.
There are several gaps in knowledge regarding narcolepsy. Future research should focus on further elucidating the genetic causes of narcolepsy and exploring potential biomarkers for early detection and diagnosis. Long-term studies assessing the effectiveness of different treatment approaches, including pharmacological interventions and behavioural therapies, are needed. Additionally, there is a need for research on strategies to improve the overall well-being and quality of life of individuals living with narcolepsy, including the development of tailored support programs and interventions.
Medicine and Pharmacology, Neuroscience and Neurology
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
