How Do You Stay Awake With Narcolepsy? What Harvard Health Publishing And More Doctors Think.
Narcolepsy image
Answered by Dr. Robert H. Shmerling
M.D. Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 30 years of experience · USA
There are a number of approaches that can help people with narcolepsy stay awake. These include: • Getting enough sleep – besides getting enough sleep at night, daytime naps and treatment of other conditions (such as sleep apnea, anxiety or depression) can help keep you stay alert during the day • Keeping a regular sleep schedule • Avoiding use of phones or other screens around bedtime • Eating small meals and moderating your carbohydrate intake - large meals and a high-carb diet may cause drowsiness • Keep moving during the day – if you are usually sedentary, try to get up and walk around every half hour or so • Avoiding alcohol, nicotine or other substances (including over-the-counter medications) that can affect sleep • Getting plenty of exercise on a regular basis – but, avoid exercising in the hours just before bed • Consulting with a sleep specialist to discuss medication treatment – there are a number of medicines that can improve wakefulness in people with narcolepsy
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Answered by Dr. Ilya Aleksandrovskiy
M.D., MBA · 5 years of experience · USA
Taking short scheduled naps for 20 minutes or shorter through the day, getting a good night's sleep, avoiding heavy meals and moving (standing, taking short walks or stretching) helps stay awake. Exercise, avoiding caffeine and alcohol close to bed time and going to sleep and waking up at the same time everyday improves night time sleep which in turn helps in staying more alert in the day time.
Answered by Dr. Mohan P. Abraham
M.D., FAAFP (Family Physician) · 40 years of experience · USA
One can stay awake with narcolepsy by following some strategies such as: *Schedule naps *Regular and complete rest at night *Suitable and light diet *walk to stay alert *seek sunshine
Answered by Dr. Daniel A. Foster
DO, MPH · 16 years of experience · USA
Try scheduled short naps during the day. Reduce blue lights at least 30 minutes before sleep during night. Mild to moderate exercise may help regulate the sleep cycle.
→ Learn more about narcolepsy: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.
→ See more questions and expert answers related to narcolepsy.
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