“Narcolepsy is generally treated using a “multi-modal” approach, i.e. medication, regular sleep programmes, planned naps and psychotherapy.
Firstly, regardless of the cause of narcolepsy, patients should be given a proper understanding of the disease to avoid psychological factors affecting their treatment and even depression. Secondly, patients should be treated symptomatically according to the cause of their sleepiness.
For narcolepsy caused by sleep deprivation and substance abuse, treatment is based on lifestyle adjustments, such as establishing a healthy exercise and meal plan that can effectively improve sleep quality, while avoiding caffeine, alcohol, nicotine use and heavy eating, and arranging for 10-15 minute daytime naps every day.
For somatic disorders and medication-induced sleepiness efforts should be focused on treating the underlying disorder, while treating the symptoms when possible. Modafinil, methylphenidate and amphetamines are commonly used for narcolepsy due to idiopathic hypersomnia. Episodic sleepiness is mainly treated with appropriate naps that improve drowsiness, maintaining a regular and adequate sleep routine and avoiding drugs that aggravate daytime sleepiness.
Specific treatment is recommended in consultation with your doctor, taking into account your own condition.”