We’re all used to seeing commercials and advertisements for sleep aides. So much of the population has trouble staying asleep and falling asleep, and several medications to help them come to mind without thinking too hard or long. But what about the people who have trouble staying awake? It is a real problem for people in the U.S, yet medications to help them aren’t as well noticed. This is where Modafinil comes in. The real question is, does Modafinil keep you awake?
For those with sleep disorders that cause them to fall asleep, such as narcolepsy and sleep apnea, Modafinil reduces extreme sleepiness in patients. For those who work overnight shifts and have trouble staying awake during odd times, Modafinil can also help. Think nurses who work the night shift or truck drivers who have to drive at all hours of the night to reach their destination. If you fit into any of these categories, then Modafinil might be for you.
Who is a good candidate for Modafinil? It should not be used simply because you want to stay awake longer, but only if you can’t on your own and need to for a number of reasons. Those suffering from narcolepsy would find Modafinil beneficial. Narcolepsy affects a person’s ability to control their sleep and wakefulness. They can experience periods of excessive sleepiness and can even fall asleep suddenly and without their control. Others who would benefit from Modafinil include those with other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome. Others who might be helped by Modafinil include those who have shift work sleep disorders, like nurses and factory workers.
It’s important to keep in mind that Modafinil can not completely cure your sleep disorder and certainly should not be taken in place of getting a proper amount of sleep. It is a simply an aide that will help you stay awake when you otherwise struggle. In some cases, falling asleep when you otherwise shouldn’t can be dangerous, especially if you are operating machinery or driving. Modafinil would help avoid those safety concerns.
Modafinil works by affecting substances in your brain that control your sleep and wake cycle. When your brain is sending signals to your body that indicates it is time to sleep, Modafinil reverses those signals so you can stay awake.
With any medication, you should talk with your doctor to make sure that Modafinil is the correct and safest choice for your medical condition. Depending on your reason for needing Modafinil, your doctor can provide you with specific instructions as to how to use Modafinil for the best results.
Make sure you also discuss with your doctor your other medications and any allergies you may have, which could affect the effectiveness of Modafinil or change the side effects. Side effects for Modafinial tend to be mild, including nausea, dizziness, or trouble sleeping. Any problems can be discussed with your doctor, and if you feel any serious side-effects you should speak with your doctor immediately. Read Full Article