Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) in Narcolepsy: Taking Steps to Improve Patient Quality of Life

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) in Narcolepsy: Taking Steps to Improve Patient Quality of Life is organized by Center for Independent Healthcare Education, LLC.

Release Date: November 7, 2023
Expiration Date: November 7, 2024

Description:
Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a debilitating consequence of narcolepsy that can result in diminished quality of life and daily functioning while adversely impacting family, social, and work aspects. EDS symptoms include the inability to stay awake and alert throughout the day, daily periods of an irrepressible need for sleep, and unintended lapses into drowsiness or sleep. EDS is associated with a higher risk of work-related errors and accidents as well as motor vehicle accidents leading to injury and death. Cataplexy, experienced by up to two-thirds of individuals with narcolepsy, is the most debilitating symptom of the condition and can range from drooping of the eyelids to a total body collapse. Despite the impact of EDS on an individual’s overall well-being, the condition often goes unnoticed. Primary care providers (PCPs) are positioned to improve the long-term outcomes of patients with narcolepsy and experiencing EDS with/without cataplexy by increasing awareness of the symptoms and utilizing available screening tools as part of their overall evaluation process. With the availability of these easy-to-use screening tools, PCPs can be essential in the early recognition of narcolepsy symptoms and hasten a referral to sleep specialists to make a definitive diagnosis. Educational programs are needed to improve PCP knowledge and understanding in recognizing the signs of sleep disorders and pursuing further evaluation through screening and specialist referral. After participating in this educational activity, PCPs can take a proactive role in co-management of patients diagnosed with narcolepsy, including the appropriate use of pharmacologic approaches to mitigate EDS and cataplexy.

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of the educational activity, the learner should be able to:

• Discuss the potential impact of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) on a patient’s overall health, quality of life, and daily functioning
• Utilize communication techniques and evidence-based screening tools to hasten a narcolepsy diagnosis among patients experiencing EDS
• Implement guideline recommendations to individualize therapeutic selection in managing the symptoms of narcolepsy and improve quality of life