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Lifestyle and home remedies

By Mayo Clinic staff

Lifestyle modifications are important in managing the symptoms of narcolepsy. You may benefit from these steps:

  • Stick to a schedule. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends.
  • Take naps. Schedule short naps at regular intervals during the day. Naps of 20 minutes at strategic times during the day may be refreshing and reduce sleepiness for one to three hours. Some people may need longer naps.
  • Avoid nicotine and alcohol. Using these substances, especially at night, can worsen your signs and symptoms.
  • Get regular exercise. Moderate, regular exercise at least four to five hours before bedtime may help you feel more awake during the day and sleep better at night.
References
  1. Narcolepsy fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/pubs/narcolepsy.htm. Accessed April 8, 2010.
  2. Scammel T. Diagnosis and neurobiology of narcolepsy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 8, 2010.
  3. Scammel T. Treatment of narcolepsy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 8, 2010.
  4. Wise MS, et al. Treatment of narcolepsy and other hypersomnias of central origin. Sleep. 2007;30:1712.
  5. Narcolepsy. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/nar/nar_all.html. Accessed April 11, 2010.
  6. Morgenthaler TI, et al. Practice parameters for the treatment of narcolepsy and other hypersomnias of central origin. Sleep. 2007;30:1705.
DS00345 May 15, 2010

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