Good sleep habits

Good sleep habits are very important to the patient with narcolepsy. Anything that contributes to sleepiness, adversely affects the narcoleptic patient. The most obvious cause of increased sleepiness is sleep loss. Patients should cultivate regular sleep habits assiduously and avoid nocturnal sleep loss as much as possible.

Try to go to bed at the same time every night and try to sleep for a least 8 hours.  There are a few things the patient can do to ensure they fall asleep quickly:

  • Try to exercise moderately not less than 3 hours before going to bed
  • Keep the bedroom a quiet area with minimum distractions in the form of TV, computer etc
  • Try to do something relaxing just before bed such as having a warm bath

Just as importantly, avoid substances which may make it more difficult to fall asleep or which might reduce the quality of sleep such as:

  • Caffeine in tea, coffee and some soft drinks
  • Alcohol
  • Cigarettes
  • Some prescription medications.  Discuss with your pharmacist.