Behavioral Strategies for a Better Life

 A normal and full state of alertness requires more than the usual medication for people with narcolepsy. Different behavioral strategies  for a narcoleptic can greatly assist his or her state of alertness and quality of life. 

Here is a list of the different behavioral strategies recommended:

1.) It is important for narcoleptics to take short naps that are regularly scheduled throughout the day. 

2.) A Narcoleptic should improve quality of nighttime sleep so that he or she can eliminate constant fatigue during the day. The way to do this is by:

• avoiding taking drugs, alcohol, caffeine before bedtime, and smoking at night
• making sure that he/she has a regular sleep schedule
• keeping the bedroom environment warm, peaceful, and comfortable
• making time for relaxation before bedtime. For example, warm baths or showers are both soothing and relaxing.

3.) A healthy body is tremendously essential to better a narcoleptic's state of alertness. He or she should try to exercise a few hours before bedtime. This technique not only improves the quality of sleep, but it also prevents the person from gaining excessive weight (a common symptom of narcolepsy).

4.) Maintaining and improving emotional health is very important, especially for a narcoleptic who faces anxiety and frustration. Support groups are useful so that narcoleptics can have emotional support and also can express their feelings.

Even though  these behavioral techniques along with medication cannot fully cure narcolepsy, they allow a narcoleptic to be one step closer in controlling his or her life.