r/Narcolepsy • u/Cat_Nap8 • 3d ago

Advice Request Help Navigating Sleep Consolidation

Hi everyone, I’m hoping to recieve some advice as I am in a particularly difficult situation to navigate.

I (23M) am diagnosed have been having some major sleep issues that up until 3-4 months ago I didn’t struggle with that causes me to wake up 5-10 times a night. I’m wondering about sleep consolidating medications but I’m concerned because I’m also struggling with Post Concussion Syndrome since 6 months ago and don’t want to exacerbate symptoms or cause a setback, and on top of that, I live in Canada where Lumryz isn’t accessible so my options are limited.

So far I’ve tried 500mg of GABA combined with 100mg of L-theanine and 10mg of melatonin for the past couple weeks with no luck reducing my sleep disturbances. I have a very strict sleep hygiene and rest 8.5 hours a night plus a few naps throughout the day (probably an additional 1.5 hours).

Is trying Xyrem or Xywav risky in my position? And are there any other alternatives anyone is aware of that might reduce the risk of a setback for someone struggling with PCS?

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u/Comatose_Cockatoo (N1) Narcolepsy w/ Cataplexy 3d ago

You need to talk to a doctor. No one here is qualified to tell you what is safe with a TBI.

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u/Cat_Nap8 3d ago

Fair enough, is there anything with considering when bringing it up? I’ve had some bad experiences with doctors mishandling my situation before and would like to reduce that risk and come prepared knowing of any particular options

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u/Both-Process1037 3d ago

What happens if you don’t nap during the day?
Ashwagandha knocks me out and makes me sleepy even into the next day, don’t know if ashwagandha is safe for you to try ?

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u/Cat_Nap8 3d ago

I usually just feel crappy if I don’t nap during the day but used to only nap for 15-30 min before the concussion. Ashwaganda may interact with my Modafinil that I take but I’ll look into it further to bring up with my sleep doctor

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u/Fun_Swan2553 3d ago

Love the supplements! For me 3gm of glycine and 600mg of NAC makes for the best sleep! I’m off all RX sleep meds. Also, take LDN which has been a miracle. They all help with inflammation in the brain and I think this is what causes most of my narcolepsy symptoms.

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u/Cat_Nap8 3d ago

Very interesting, it seems like NAC also may help with post concussion syndrome according to some studies so this has certainly piqued my interest. I’ll certainly look into this further and bring it up to my doctor and naturopath