Sleep and Quality of Life in Narcolepsy

Abstract

With an increase in the older segment of the population and a concurrent increase in the prevalence of chronic illnesses, interest in quality of life (QOL) has gained increasing significance. This presentation discusses the significance and theoretical constructs in the definition and measurement of QOL. Furthermore, a review of studies shows that narcolepsy has a profound negative social, psychological, and economic impact on the lives of affected individuals. New management strategies comprising comprehensive, multidisciplinary patient management approach including psychosocial treatment and social support are needed to improve patients’ functional status. Educational programs about the wide ramifications of having narcolepsy are needed. Also, the operational definition of the symptoms of narcolepsy and indicators of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are often not consistent and need standardization to make comparison of studies on the impact of narcolepsy more meaningful.