Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological condition that affects the brain’s ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles. People with narcolepsy often experience excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden sleep attacks, and disruptions in nighttime rest. These symptoms can interfere with work, school, relationships, and overall quality of life.
At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Kimberley Shine, MD, provides comprehensive, patient-centered care for individuals living with narcolepsy. By combining functional medicine with evidence-based treatment, Dr. Shine works to reduce symptoms, uncover contributing factors, and improve daily functioning for long-term wellness.
Causes and Risk Factors
While the exact cause of narcolepsy is not fully understood, research suggests it is linked to low levels of hypocretin, a brain chemical that regulates wakefulness. Risk factors and contributors include:
- Genetics: Family history may increase the likelihood of developing narcolepsy.
- Autoimmune Activity: The immune system may mistakenly target hypocretin-producing cells.
- Brain Injury or Tumors: Rarely, trauma or lesions in the brain can trigger symptoms.
- Hormonal Changes: Puberty or menopause may influence the onset in some patients.
- Toxicity and Inflammation: Environmental toxins and systemic inflammation may play a role in worsening symptoms.
Understanding these risk factors allows for a more targeted and personalized treatment approach.
Symptoms of Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy symptoms vary from person to person but may include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness despite adequate nighttime rest
- Sudden episodes of falling asleep during daily activities
- Cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness triggered by emotions)
- Sleep paralysis upon waking or falling asleep
- Vivid hallucinations during sleep transitions
- Fragmented nighttime sleep with frequent awakenings
How Narcolepsy Is Diagnosed
At Shine Health and Wellness, evaluation begins with a detailed assessment of symptoms, health history, and lifestyle factors. Diagnosis may include:
- Medical History and Physical Exam: Reviewing sleep patterns, triggers, and family history.
- Sleep Questionnaires: Tools to assess the severity of sleepiness and related symptoms.
- Laboratory Testing: Checking for hormone imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, or autoimmune activity.
- Functional Medicine Testing: Identifying toxin exposure or inflammation that may worsen symptoms.
- Referrals for Sleep Studies: Partnering with specialists for polysomnography and multiple sleep latency testing (MSLT) to confirm diagnosis.
This thorough process ensures accurate identification of narcolepsy and its contributing factors.
Treatment Options for Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy cannot be cured, but treatment can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. At Shine Health and Wellness, care may include:
- Medication Management: Coordinating with specialists for stimulants, wakefulness-promoting agents, or antidepressants for cataplexy.
- Lifestyle Counseling: Establishing consistent sleep schedules and scheduled naps to manage fatigue.
- Nutritional Support: Anti-inflammatory diets and supplementation to improve energy and brain health.
- Stress Management: Mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and counseling to reduce triggers.
- Functional Medicine Approaches: Addressing toxin burden, gut health, and systemic inflammation to support neurological function.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-ups to adjust treatment and track progress.
This integrative model addresses both immediate symptoms and underlying health factors.
Why Choose Shine Health and Wellness?
Kimberley Shine, MD, brings more than a decade of experience in family and functional medicine. She values building strong doctor-patient relationships and takes time to listen, educate, and empower patients in their care. Her integrative approach ensures that narcolepsy treatment goes beyond medications alone, addressing lifestyle, nutrition, and overall wellness.
The Shine Health and Wellness team comprises experienced nurses, a lifestyle coach, and a licensed acupuncturist, providing patients with a multidisciplinary model of care. This collaborative support helps patients manage narcolepsy while also enhancing their energy, resilience, and overall quality of life.
Regain Control of Your Sleep
Narcolepsy may be a lifelong condition, but with the right care, symptoms can be managed effectively. At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Kimberley Shine and her team offer compassionate, personalized care to help patients regain balance and live more fully. Call 626-317-0207 today to schedule a consultation.