Does anyone else suffer from Narcolepsy alongside RLS?

[OldJoints]

I've had both since my mid 20's, even though I wasn't properly diagnosed with Narcolepsy till my late 40's. I was just wondering if there's a link between the two and if anyone else here suffers from both as well.

[Hidden]

I don't suffer narcoplepsy.

I have read however that narcolepsy and RLS are in some ways the opposite of each other.

I believe that there.is a substance called hypocretin that may be involved with both.

Narcolepsy, if I recall correctly involves there being too little hypocretin and hence a lack of "arousal". RLS on the other hand may involve an excess of hypocretin causing "hyperarousal". This is what causes the insomnia associated with RLS.

In fact a drug which inhibits hypocretin is being investigated as a treatment for RLS.

Surprising to hear somebody has both then.

[TheDoDahMan in reply to Hidden]

Hi, Manerva,

Do you think that excess hypocretin could explain the pricklies-heeby jeebies that we feel? If someone were administered hypocretin (is that even possible to do?), would they then get these sleep-prohibitive tingles?

Thanks for all the time you spend answering our questions!

[Hidden in reply to TheDoDahMan]

I don't know the answer to that it is, I suppose possible.

Hypocretin may be responsible for the hyperarousal aspect of RLS, but I'm not sure if it can also cause the motor nerve excitation aspect, (Heebie jeebies).

[Hidden in reply to TheDoDahMan]

Further, Hypocretin, as such dordn't appear to be a treatment for anything.

If anything were used to increase or decrease hypocretin levels then it would be an agonist or reuptake inhibitor to increase or an antagonist to decrease.

Suvoxerant is a hypocretin antagonist for example.

Those that need hypocretin increasing are people who suffer narcolepsy, but currently treatments for narcolepsy vary but do not apparently include anything directly affecting hypocretin.

[Muftah36]

Hello , I have RLS and have been thru the gammet with solutions . I believe I have narcolepsy but have not been diagnosed as my dr. says my fatigue and unplanned sleep episodes during the day is due to my rheumatoid arthritis .

Would you mind sharing the symptoms you have and how we’re you diagnosed? Sleep studies?

Thankyou OldJoints

[Doctorplacebo]

I just came across this post. I definitely have RLS, but I believe I also have narcolepsy, although it has not been "officially" diagnosed. I have excessive daytime somnolence regardless of quantity of sleep, I have sleep paralysis, but no hypnogogic hallucinations and no cataplexy. Strong emotions, especially negative ones, cause sudden sleepiness. Laughter does not. During the day I am too sleepy to do anything but am unable to nap, or even relax, because of my RLS (augmented). Armodafanil helps, but is a bit like flogging a dead horse.