Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder in which affected individuals display overwhelming day time drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep. The common symptoms of this condition include day time sleepiness, sudden episodes of loss of muscle tone and sleep paralysis, hallucinations, automatic behaviour, and inadequate night-time sleep. Disturbed genetics and a disturbed immunity are believed to be the causes for this condition. This condition is known to cause serious disruptions in the daily life of affected individuals. The modern management of this condition includes appropriate medications and adaptation and modifications to lifestyle, with an advice for affected individuals to exercise regularly, follow a fixed day time schedule, take frequent naps, and take into confidence friends, colleagues and neighbors regarding their condition. Affected people should avoid long drives, nicotine and alcohol.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for narcolepsy involves treating a disturbed immunity as well as providing corrective treatment for known defects in genetics. Immunomodulatory herbal agents are used in high doses and for prolonged periods in order to successfully manage the root cause of this condition. Depending upon the genetic information provided of affected individuals, different herbal treatment can be advised so as to target the known and specific causes for the condition. Ayurvedic treatment is also required to strengthen the central nervous system and provide a soothing and corrective action, in addition to de-stressing the patient, so that the affected individual gradually is able to adopt a pattern of increasing night-time sleep, and reducing day-time sleep episodes.
Depending upon the known causes for the condition and the severity of the condition, Ayurvedic herbal treatment of individuals affected with narcolepsy is required to be given for periods ranging from about three to six months. A judicious combination of medications and lifestyle adjustments can go a long way in helping such individuals obtain significant remission in their condition and bring their lives to near normal. Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant role to play in the management and treatment of narcolepsy.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
