Narcolepsy includes much more than falling asleep at inappropriate times
Henry Nicholls is more qualified than most to write about the science of sleep. At the age of 21, he was diagnosed with narcolepsy – a rare disorder that causes people to fall asleep without warning. And he says it’s a largely misunderstood condition.
What exactly is narcolepsy?
Most people know that those with narcolepsy have an irresistible need to sleep at inappropriate moments during the day. This was my first symptom when I was diagnosed – I’d find myself dozing through tutorials at university and overdosing on caffeine. But that’s probably the least interesting of the symptoms. Most people with narcolepsy also experience cataplexy, which is where the emotional centre in the brain causes a sudden loss in muscle control. It’s the same process that happens during sleep to stop you acting out your dreams, but during the day, it can mean that even a small emotion has you collapsed on the floor.
What triggers it?
This story is from the November 2018 edition of Very Interesting.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2018 edition of Very Interesting.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
COULD ONE BOMB DESTROY THE WORLD?
How big a bang are arms manufacturers capable of creating?
THE THREAT OF DAY ZERO
Queues at public water taps could become normal. What can we do to avoid them?
INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS
The hit TV show The Last of Us imagined an apocalypse caused by a Cordyceps fungus turning humans into zombies. For many insects, real life isn't much different...
Jazz could be the key to understanding quantum physics
An improvising soloist can play any note they want next. At the quantum level, electrons have a similar freedom
CAN SCIENCE TURN A NIGHT OWL INTO A MORNING LARK?
If you're a night owl, you probably have a hard time dealing with a world that starts at 8am. But can science help you tinker with your body clock to make it easier to rise with the larks?
Killer asteroids: how safe are we, really?
A new study suggests we're safe from big impacts, but it's the small ones we have to worry about
THE MOST COLOURFUL SIGHTS ON EARTH
Long-distance travel is lovely, but it saves a bit of cash if we bring some of the planet's most spectacular natural places to you
DO YOUR GENES INFLUENCE YOUR TASTE IN FOOD?
How DNA plays a role in shaping your menu choices
HOW TO THINK RATIONALLY ABOUT AI
The entire planet is hooked on the conversation about AI and its sinister future. But if you ask those in the know (and we have), our future with machines looks entirely different to what the world's CEOs would have us believe. Here's how to stop worrying and maybe learn to love AI...
Dark Earth: scientists unveil a new 'secret weapon' to combat deforestation
Ancient soil from the heart of the Amazon could help restore the planet's depleted rainforests