If your child lives with narcolepsy, natural treatment options can help provide extra relief from their symptoms along with prescription medications. Dietary, lifestyle, and behavioral changes can also help.
Pediatric narcolepsy is a chronic disorder affecting a child’s sleep-wake brain functions. The exact cause of narcolepsy isn’t clear, but one of the theories is that it’s related to autoimmune destruction of a sleep-regulating neuropeptide called hypocretin, or orexin.
There is currently no cure for narcolepsy. To treat the condition, doctors may prescribe central nervous system stimulants or depressants, or medications like reuptake inhibitors, to help a child’s neurochemicals work as they typically should.
While medications are often effective in managing pediatric narcolepsy, there are complementary approaches you can add to your child’s treatment that may further alleviate the more disruptive symptoms of narcolepsy.
If you’re considering trying complementary treatments for your child, it’s a good idea to check with their doctor first. Some alternative treatments may interact with the medications their doctor prescribed. Interactions can lead to negative health effects.
Once you get medical clearance, there are a few alternative treatments you and your child can try to manage their narcolepsy symptoms.
Research indicates a link between overweight with narcolepsy, and weight gain at the onset of symptoms. Rapid weight gain often occurs at a younger age, with more pronounced narcolepsy symptoms.
The link between narcolepsy and increased body weight is not fully understood, but binge eating behavior and impulsiveness may be contributing factors.
You can help reduce your child’s chance of binge or impulsive eating by purchasing fewer ultra processed or low nutrient foods. A consistent meal schedule can also have a positive impact.
Avoiding large meals, caffeine sources, and excess fluids close to bedtime can help your child sleep better.
Yoga can promote relaxation. A bedtime yoga routine may help your child fall asleep more easily.
You can practice yoga with your child or have them follow along with a video featuring kid-friendly yoga moves designed to relax and settle them down so they can sleep.
Acupuncture therapy can help improve a person’s sleep in several ways:
- reduce nighttime awakenings
- improve quality of sleep
- increase sleep duration
- alleviate anxiety
- reduce pain
An acupuncturist practicing this ancient Chinese therapy inserts thin needles through the skin. This action helps the body release endorphins and reduces the perception of pain.
Many children tolerate and respond well to acupuncture. It’s important to see an acupuncturist who is trained in treating conditions in children. Discuss with your child’s doctor to see if acupuncture might be suitable for them.
There’s some research linking vitamin deficiencies and sleep issues:
- A 2022 study showed that decreased levels of vitamin B12 were associated with the development of narcolepsy.
- A 2018 review indicated a connection between sleep disorders and vitamin D deficiency.
- Research from
2021 discussed how vitamin E increases activation of the orexinergic system, which is involved in neuroprotection, as well as sleep and wakefulness.
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Valerian root helps some people sleep better, although it’s not recommended for use over long periods of time. Due to the lack of research in this age group, it’s also not advisable for use by children under 3 years old.
It’s a good idea to check with your child’s doctor before using herbal or nutritional supplements in case there’s a potential adverse interaction with any medications your child is taking for their narcolepsy.
Cataplexy, or sudden muscle weakness, is a narcolepsy symptom for some people. As a result, some children need more supervision while engaging in potentially higher risk activities, like swimming, riding a bike, and using playground equipment.
Teens at risk for cataplexy can learn some strategies to maintain their safety if they drive:
- assessing whether they are alert enough to drive
- driving as little as possible and only when necessary
- limiting the distances they drive
- staying in the right lane so they can pull over quickly when needed
Regular exercise can ease narcolepsy symptoms for some children.
A 2021 research review showed that regular physical activity reduced children’s daytime sleepiness and need for naps without triggering cataplexy.
A 2018 study showed that children who engaged in leisure time physical activity had lower BMIs and higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol compared with children who engaged in sedentary leisure activities.
Sleep hygiene is a combination of behaviors and environmental changes that help a person sleep better.
For example, consistent bedtime and waking times may help add structure to your child’s sleep schedule.
Other sleep hygiene practices to consider trying include:
- creating a consistent bedtime routine
- turning off the TV or mobile device at least an hour before bedtime
- setting a cool temperature in your child’s bedroom
- creating darkness in their bedroom by not using light sources like glowing clocks or and turning off game consoles during sleep time
- explaining that bed use is for sleeping only and not for playing or doing homework
- getting exposure to natural light each morning
Structured daytime naps may also help children with narcolepsy.
A 2020 research review recommended scheduled daytime naps, 3 to 4 times daily for about 10 to 20 minutes each, depending on the needs of the child. You may be able to arrange with your child’s school to accommodate their planned naps with in-school nap breaks, a partial remote learning schedule, or a similarly effective solution.
Children with narcolepsy may experience condition-related stress and have a higher chance of developing symptoms of anxiety and depression. In fact, depressive symptoms occur for an estimated 20% to 40% of children with narcolepsy.
Psychological support can reduce the effect of this type of stress and its associated mental health issues.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of therapy that’s effective for helping some people manage the debilitating effects of narcolepsy. People of all ages can try CBT.
Although doctors treat narcolepsy with medication, many people supplement this treatment with complementary strategies.
If your child lives with narcolepsy, you may be able to reduce the impact of their symptoms with strategies like sleep hygiene, nutrition, and regular physical activity.
Therapy to ease the mental health effects of narcolepsy can also help.