Curving Complications Associated With Narcolepsy: Mihaela Nowak, MD

WATCH TIME: 4 minutes

"With the best regimen of medications, the narcoleptic patient will achieve only about 70–80% of the alertness of a person with normal sleep."

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder caused by the brain’s inability to regulate sleep-wake cycles properly. The condition typically stems from the loss of hypocretin (also called orexin), a neurotransmitter in the hypothalamus responsible for maintaining wakefulness and regulating REM sleep. This loss is often linked to an autoimmune response, where the body mistakenly attacks hypocretin-producing neurons.

While narcolepsy is primarily linked to genetic predisposition and spontaneous genetic mutations, environmental factors, such as infections or significant trauma, may act as triggers in susceptible individuals. Narcolepsy has been thought to be not generally preventable due to its genetic and autoimmune nature. Its onset often occurs in adolescence or early childhood, though it can develop at any age.

In a recent interview with NeurologyLive®, Mihaela Nowak, MD, a neurologist and sleep disorder specialist at Allegheny Health Network, discussed whether clinicians or society can help reduce the risk of narcolepsy, given its origins. Since prevention isn’t feasible at the moment, she spoke on what can be currently done to support individuals with the condition. Nowak, who has expertise in other conditions like Alzheimer disease, neck pain, and spinal conditions, spoke about the importance of destigmatizing narcolepsy, as well as nonpharmacological strategies that can be used as management tools. Furthermore, she spoke on heightened awareness of societal and workplace understanding, urging employers to value their employees’ strengths and provide supportive environments for individuals with narcolepsy.