Narcolepsy is a misunderstood type of sleeping disorder mainly because its symptoms can easily be misdiagnosed. In essence Narcolepsy is a type of sleeping disorder whereby the narcoleptic gets sleep attacks during the day - often called excessive daytime sleepiness disorder (EDS).

What happens is that the sufferer will feel very sleepy during the day and might to help but fall asleep. This sleep disorder is a neurological based condition i.e. it affects the area in the body that controls wakefulness and sleepiness.

In most instances, narcolepsy sufferers also suffer from cataplexy. What happens here is that the person looses muscle control and might fall down to the ground uncontrollably. The effects of narcolepsy affects different individual with varying severity.

Although a person can manage to live with narcolepsy, it can be fatal incases where the sleep attack or cataplexy comes at a time where the narcoleptic is driving, or holding a child. While research is still on going to fully understand this sleep disorder, sometimes even without these detrimental effects, Narcolepsy can impair performance in school or at work.

Although it is advisable to see a narcolepsy doctor for diagnosis, the following behavioral therapy can be practiced by the sufferer.

Stay away from any drugs that can affect your sleep.

Consider napping during daytime: make the naps to last at most 30 minutes. This can be of great help in controlling the disorder.

The food you eat can affect the intensity of narcolepsy. So eat properly and exercise regularly. Avoid eating two to three hours before you go to bed.

Keep your bedroom or sleep area quiet, comfortable, and free of light and distractions, such as a TV or computer.

Avoid eating just before bed time especially food that can make it hard for you to fall asleep. This include, Caffeine in coffee, chocolate, and certain soft drinks and teas.

Also avoid alcohol and tobacco at all times especially before bedtime

There is more I can share about narcolepsy but this page is not long enough to accommodate everything. Take some time to visit some organizations that can help people who are suffering from narcolepsy or cataplexy. Most of these have websites but if you can not find them, I can guarantee you that there are a number of other great independent sites that you can visit to gain more knowledge and be in control.