Exploring Narcolepsy and Its Link to Alcohol
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Narcolepsy is a neurological condition that’s experienced by millions worldwide. This chronic disorder alters sleep-wake cycles, significantly impacting quality of life in those affected and causing daytime sleepiness.
How exactly does it relate to alcohol? Is there such a thing as alcohol-induced narcolepsy? And what about mixing narcolepsy medications and alcohol?
In this blog, we’ll answer these questions and more! Read on for your comprehensive roadmap of how to navigate the complex relationship between narcolepsy and alcohol.
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that impacts the brain's ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles. This condition typically manifests during adolescence or young adulthood, and it currently affects about 200,000 Americans and 3 million people worldwide.
Those living with narcolepsy experience overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep, regardless of their circumstances.
Here are five key symptoms of narcolepsy:
The cause of narcolepsy is not fully understood, but it's believed to involve a loss of orexin-producing cells in the brain (we’ll discuss these in the next section), which are vital for regulating wakefulness.
However, there are a few conditions with which narcolepsy is more likely to happen in the absence of low orexin levels:
People may be more likely to have narcolepsy if they fall into one of the following:
If you or a loved one experiences symptoms and suspects you might have narcolepsy, it’s important to consult with a medical provider for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis.
Certain people living with narcolepsy do experience symptom exacerbation when drinking alcohol, likely due to alcohol’s sedative effects.
Narcolepsy and alcohol both can lead to daytime drowsiness. If a person already deals with daytime sleepiness from narcolepsy, alcohol can further depress the central nervous system (CNS), making them even more tired.
To further understand the link between narcolepsy and alcohol, we can look to the orexin (hypocretin) pathway. This neurological pathway in the brain plays a role in both.
A 2020 study conducted in Neuroscience Letters explains how. This rodent-based study examined the mechanisms for how chronic alcohol use can cause daytime sleepiness. Researchers concluded that alcohol withdrawal decreased orexin expression.
Orexin, also known as hypocretin, is a brain chemical that regulates our REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Deficiencies in this hormone can trigger excessive daytime sleepiness. Low levels of orexin is also one of the key causes of cataplexy in those living with narcolepsy.
This begs the question: can alcohol cause narcolepsy? At present, there’s no empirical evidence to suggest alcohol as a causative factor for narcolepsy.
However, there have been a couple of individual reports of developing narcolepsy after long-term heavy drinking.
In these cases, recorded in 2012 and 2021, researchers correlated chronic heavy drinking to the onset of narcolepsy. Given that this was correlational, the scientists couldn’t pinpoint whether the individuals in question had undiagnosed narcolepsy prior to being examined, or if the narcolepsy had resulted from the drinking itself.
As of now, alcohol can not be deemed a likely causative factor for narcolepsy.
Alcohol can affect the efficacy of narcolepsy medications within the body.
In general, it’s best to avoid mixing alcohol and medication, since drinking can worsen side effects or lead to life-threatening consequences, such as central nervous system depression.
Alcohol interacts with common drugs used to treat narcolepsy:
Additional medications used to treat narcolepsy include solriamfetol (Sunosi) and pitolisant (Wakix). Prior to drinking alcohol while taking prescription medication — whether it’s for narcolepsy or another condition — always consult with your physician or pharmacist.
If your medical team suspects narcolepsy, they’ll conduct a sleep study and measure orexin levels to confirm a diagnosis.
Aside from medications, narcolepsy involves several lifestyle changes:
Other mind-body methods can be effective in improving narcolepsy symptoms. These include biofeedback, meditation-relaxation therapy, and yoga.
If you’ve found yourself wondering, “Why do I fall asleep when I drink alcohol?” it’s wise to reevaluate your alcohol intake — especially if you have narcolepsy. Falling asleep after drinking alcohol can worsen symptoms and result in dangerous immediate consequences.
Significantly cutting back on or quitting alcohol can potentially improve the condition. Here are a few ways to start changing your drinking habits.
By understanding the relationship between alcohol and narcolepsy and taking proactive steps to manage alcohol consumption, those of us living with narcolepsy can potentially improve our symptoms. Remember, this approach should always be personalized and done in consultation with healthcare professionals.
Narcolepsy is a complex condition that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Adding alcohol to the mix can worsen the challenges. It’s essential for those living with narcolepsy to reevaluate their drinking habits so as to avoid symptom exacerbation. Furthermore, medications used to treat narcolepsy can also have adverse — or potentially life-threatening — side effects when mixed with alcohol.
As with any major health condition, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan if narcolepsy is suspected. With the right steps and plenty of support, it’s possible to live a full life with narcolepsy.
1. What is narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that impacts the brain's ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles.
2. What causes narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy has been linked to low orexin levels, which is a brain chemical that regulates REM sleep. People with a family history disorder, brain injury, or certain health conditions may also be at risk of developing narcolepsy.
3. Can alcohol lead to narcolepsy?
While alcohol has not been deemed a causative factor for narcolepsy, it has been linked to the condition in a couple of cases.
4. How does alcohol interact with narcolepsy medications?
Alcohol may worsen the side effects of narcolepsy medications. In some cases, mixing alcohol and narcolepsy-specific drugs can lead to life-threatening consequences. It’s always best to consult with a physician or pharmacist before mixing alcohol and medications, regardless of the condition.
5. Will cutting back on or quitting alcohol help improve symptoms?
In many cases, yes! By reducing or removing alcohol, you’ll recalibrate your sleep cycles and support a healthier circadian rhythm, which can improve sleep quality and potentially decrease daytime drowsiness.
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