Sleep and Wakefulness: Clinical Resources

Practicing healthy sleep-wake habits can be a powerful tool in helping patients manage their symptoms related to narcolepsy.¹

Encourage patients to maintain consistent habits and behaviors that help promote better quality sleep, such as^1,2:

• Getting enough hours of sleep at night
• Practicing consistent nighttime and morning routines, such as waking up at the same time every day
• Taking brief, scheduled naps during the day (especially recommended for patients with narcolepsy)
• Avoiding use of electronic devices (eg, television, tablet, smartphone, laptop) close to bedtime
• Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, and heavy meals several hours before bedtime
• Creating a sleep environment that is free of noise or bright light

Avoiding sweets and carb-heavy meals in the morning and middle of the day may also help improve alertness throughout the day.³

Having patients monitor their sleep can both help maintain healthy sleep habits and provide data that inform disease management recommendations.¹ Keeping a sleep log that details the timing and duration of sleep each day and night can be effective, especially in young children.⁴ Wrist actigraphy is a common way for patients to measure their sleep patterns and circadian rhythm, and is more objective than patient self-assessments.¹