Thursday, September 11, 2014

Latest Updates -- Narcolepsy Sleeping Disorder

So it's been a while since I've updated on my site.   So earlier last year, I found out I have a sleeping disorder called Narcolepsy and an associated condition known as cataplexy.  Narcolepsy is where I get very little REM sleep and as a result is constantly tired and low energy, as well as often having trouble focusing and daytime sleep attacks where I fall asleep just by being idle or bored.

This has always been an issue since my teens and I had simply assumed it to be another part of being legally blind and Stargardt's.  I had thought my inability to focus was a result of unable to see with my central vision.  So early last year, other symptoms became more prominent and after doing some research decided to go to a sleep clinic.  Turns out I have a condition called Narcolepsy and Cateplexy where yes I fall asleep in matter or minutes but the worst part of it is not being able to really go into deep sleep, so I keep sleeping but am constantly tired without end.

I was also told, this condition pretty much will only get worse and that hte only way to controll (not cure) is to take meds.  Variety of stimulants for the REST of MY LIFE!  I opted to search for another option.   Luckily I ended up finding Qigong which is the general form of Taichi.

After doing it for a while, it seem to have improve both my sleep quality and my energy levels.  And even fixed my long term back/neck/shoulder problems from poor posture and tilted head due to looking through peripheral vision.

I started to look into more scientific research and suspect  its related to blood flow and oxygen to the brain.  The brain has the ability to repair itself after damage and with increase blood flow and oxygen to the head, it theoretically has the ability to help regenerate deteriorated cell and induce cell growht. So my tense shoulder and back started to release and the spine ended up releasing which has help me significantly.

So basically it doens't have much to do with Stargardt's except for the fact I've gone through having/living with Stargardt's, dealing with this additional "disease" seems almost easy.  Annoyance perhaps but the emotional baggage is no more for sure.  I guess I've learned to see the up side of things and just keep working on pushing through regardless of whatever comes my way.  Afterall  that's just life.