Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes drowsiness throughout the day. Individuals with this condition can fall asleep at any point of the day without warning. It can also lead to a drop in alertness levels, making it difficult to focus on current activities or function properly. Besides that, it can give rise to other symptoms like sudden loss of muscle tone (cataplexy), sleep paralysis, sleep-related hallucinations, and changes in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Diagnosing narcolepsy Doctors begin by inquiring about the patient’s complete medical history and conducting physical exams to diagnose this condition. A sleep specialist performs an overnight polysomnogram (PSG) to monitor the individual’s sleep throughout the night, followed by a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) to measure the onset of sleep and REM stages and a genetic blood test to check for specific genetic mutations. It can take 10 to 15 years to receive a definitive diagnosis after the first symptoms appear. Managing narcolepsy Although there is no specific cure for narcolepsy, individuals can make several lifestyle changes to manage the condition better and lead a better quality of life. 1. Practice sleep hygiene Consistent and adequate sleep is one of the most crucial aspects of managing narcolepsy. This can be achieved by practicing proper sleep hygiene. – Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends and holidays, can improve the quality of sleep and reinforce the body’s sleep-wake cycle. – Individuals can create a cozy sleeping environment. This can be done by setting a comfortable temperature for the room, having sleep accessories, such as pillows, quilts, blankets, and eye masks, on hand, and ensuring that the space is quiet and free from any distractions. – Taking some time to relax before going to bed can also help immensely.

B-cell lymphocytes are a type of white blood cells present in lymph nodes or other lymphoid tissues. They make antibodies, which are proteins in the immune system that help fight infections. However, in some cases, individuals may develop complications in these cells, causing B-cell lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. Here, the lymphocytes are no longer healthy, grow uncontrollably, and cannot fight infection, weakening one’s immune system and affecting overall well-being. Symptoms The symptoms of B-cell lymphoma majorly depend on the part of the body affected, the speed of cancer growth, and the extent of spread at the time of diagnosis. That said, a few common symptoms point toward the condition. One of these includes painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpit, neck, and groin. One might also feel fatigued or notice a sudden reduction in muscle mass. Some may also notice a swollen abdomen due to a mass or an enlarged liver or spleen. A cough, trouble breathing, and fever are other symptoms of B-cell lymphoma. Causes DNA makes up the genetic codes of all cells and instructs them how to function. Individuals may develop B-cell lymphoma following mutations in the lymphocyte’s genetic code. Alterations to this code can make it challenging for the lymphocyte to fight off an infection. This can lead to rapid cell growth and multiplication, resulting in illnesses and diseases. Prognosis and management Because B-cell lymphoma affects each individual differently, an expert may offer management options based on the course of the disease. There are various ways to manage B-cell lymphoma, depending on the specifics of the disease, such as the type of cells involved and whether the lymphoma is aggressive. A doctor may also consider one’s overall well-being and other aspects when recommending a course of treatment. – Therapies Therapies are the most common line of expert management for B-cell lymphoma.