5 tips for managing narcolepsy during menopause

If you experience excessive exhaustion during the day, you may suffer from narcolepsy. This condition may cause you to fall asleep at inappropriate times during the day and decrease your productivity both at work and at home. Hormonal fluctuations associated with menopause increase your likelihood of developing sleep disorders like narcolepsy.

Although there is no known cure for narcolepsy, there are treatment options for you that may involve medication and changes in your daily habits. Read on for tips that can help you battle narcolepsy.

Take a cat nap.

You’re most prone to falling asleep suddenly when you’re tired. Keep track of the times of day when you feel the sleepiest. You may need to adapt by taking brief 15-minute naps at those times. However, don’t take more than two naps a day. If you need to, talk with your boss about modifying your work schedule so that you can take advantage of the times of day when you feel most awake. He or she should comply to the Americans with Disabilities Act to help you create a schedule that works for you.

Create a sleeping routine.

In order to curb exhaustion during the day, make sure you are getting a good night’s sleep. Try to go to bed at the same hour each night and wake up at the same time every morning so that your body can fall into a rhythm and know when it should be asleep and when it should be awake.

Give up your vice.

If you smoke or drink, these stimulants can greatly affect your sleeping routine. Not only do they disturb your rest at night, but they may make you feel tired during the day and more prone to falling asleep suddenly.

Exercise regularly.

Exercising after work can also help you fall asleep fast and get a higher quality of rest at night. Just remember not to exercise too late in the day because this could ruin your chances at getting enough rest when you go to bed. Leave a three-hour gap between the time that you finish your workout and the time you go to bed.

Be careful with medications.