Although a direct connection between narcolepsy and autism spectrum disorder has not been found, overlapping symptoms and dual diagnosis may be caused by similar brain circuits.
A neurological condition called narcolepsy alters your sleep-wake patterns. The symptoms include hypnagogic hallucinations, excessive daytime drowsiness (EDS), sleep paralysis, and, depending on the narcolepsy subtype, an abrupt loss of muscular tone known as "cataplexy."
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), also known as "autism," is a prevalent neurological condition. It is brought on by structural and functional alterations in the brain that impact childhood development. The main signs of ASD include difficulties with communication and social interaction, as well as repetitive and constrictive behaviours.
Is narcolepsy commonly seen in autism?
Research indicates that narcolepsy and ASD may co-occur often, while the precise similarities between the two disorders are unclear.
For instance, a small study conducted in 2021 discovered that 40% of children with narcolepsy also reported having autistic symptoms or an official diagnosis of ASD.
More study is required to establish a large-scale, realistic picture of narcolepsy and co-occurring (comorbid) ASD due to the paucity of studies and small sample groups.
Narcolepsy symptoms
The main symptom of narcolepsy is excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), which is the insatiable desire to sleep while awake. This is a symptom that every narcoleptic experiences.
Additional narcolepsy symptoms and indicators include:
- Cataplexy: Cataplexy, which is usually associated with type 1 narcolepsy, is characterised by an abrupt loss of muscular tone brought on by intense emotions.
- Hypnagogic hallucinations: When you are crossing over from sleep to wakefulness, during the hypnagogic sleep period, you experience these hallucinations.
- Sleep paralysis: The inability to move or talk during either the waking or falling phases of sleep is the hallmark of sleep paralysis.
- Fragmented sleep or insomnia: Sleep apnea, acting out, or vivid dreaming are examples of disturbances that might interfere with sleep.
- Automatic behaviours: These actions or movements are unconscious and occur when a person has a strong desire to fall asleep (spontaneous sleep episode).
What’s the link between autism and narcolepsy?
Studies indicate that narcolepsy is common in people with ASD. Furthermore, narcolepsy has been observed to have characteristics that are typical of ASD. We refer to these common characteristics as "narcolepsy personality."
The term "narcolepsy personality" has been used in literature to refer to a group of experiences that include:
- limited attention
- introversion
- limited emotional regulation
- shifts in mood
- feelings of inferiority
- irritability
- impaired social function
A 2023 scientific study states that type 1 narcolepsy, formerly known as "narcolepsy with cataplexy," is typically associated with a narcolepsy personality. Cataplexy is a sudden decrease of tone in the muscles brought on by intense emotions. It is usually, though not always, associated with low brain hormone levels termed hypocretin.
This idea suggests that hypocretin dysfunction is a major factor in the overlapping symptoms and potential co-occurrence of ASD, narcolepsy, and sleep difficulties.
Is sleepiness a symptom of ASD?
Although it might be a part of your ASD experience, being sleepy is not a diagnostic symptom of ASD in and of itself. Those with ASD who experience sleep difficulties may normally become sleepy after having interrupted or unrefreshing sleep one night.
Fatigue in people with ASD can also result from feeling overstimulated or overloaded. If you are consistently or excessively sleepy, you might have a co-occurring sleep disorder.
Are sleep disorders common in ASD?
50–80% of autistic children and adolescents report having trouble sleeping, indicating that ASD and sleep issues are frequently coexisting conditions.
Researchers postulated in a 2020 literature review that hypocretin dysfunction, a hormone linked to sleep-wake dysregulation and a crucial diagnostic marker for narcolepsy, plays a role in the pathophysiology of ASD.
Support options for narcolepsy and autism
ASD and narcolepsy are distinct diagnoses with dissimilar methods of care. If you co-occur with them, tailored treatments that include the combined impact of both diseases on your daily functioning will be part of your supportive methods.
The main kind of support for individuals with autism is beneficial therapy. Behavioural therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy can all be used to help you learn new coping mechanisms and life skills.
Medication is often used in narcolepsy treatment to help with EDS and other symptoms. Modifications in lifestyle, such as regular exercise and sleep schedules, may help provide the groundwork for better sleep in general.
The supportive strategies that are used while dealing with narcolepsy and ASD often overlap. Better sleep hygiene, or "sleep hygiene," can help people with narcolepsy and ASD, for instance.
You can proactively manage your narcolepsy symptoms while navigating the unique requirements of ASD with the support of behavioural programmes and psychotherapy choices.
In both circumstances, your support plan will be tailored to your specific needs.
Bottom line
ASD and narcolepsy are distinct disorders that may have similar symptoms. Though nothing is known about the precise general prevalence of their comorbidity, certain study indicates that their co-occurrence rate may be significant.
Many of the therapies for narcolepsy and ASD can be combined, even if they have different supportive strategies. For example, customised behavioural plans and lifestyle adjustments can assist manage narcolepsy and ASD in daily life.
0 Comments