ABSTRACT
Effective treatment of narcolepsy requires both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies (Figure 51.1). Non-pharmacological treatments (i.e. by behavioral modification) are often reported to be useful additions to the clinical management of narcoleptic patients.1-4
Patients with narcolepsy often complain of disrupted nocturnal sleep. They should be instructed to maintain a structured bedtime and arising time, despite the quality or continuity of their nocturnal sleep. If the patient experiences wakeful periods during the night, he may arise briefly, perform a sedentary activity such as reading, and then return to bed and attempt to sleep. The time scheduled for nocturnal sleep should generally be 8 hours or more.
