Diet therapy for narcolepsy

Neurology. 2004 Jun 22;62(12):2300-2. doi: 10.1212/wnl.62.12.2300.

Abstract

The effects of a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet (LCKD) on sleepiness and other narcolepsy symptoms were studied. Nine patients with narcolepsy were asked to adhere to the Atkins' diet plan, and their symptoms were assessed using the Narcolepsy Symptom Status Questionnaire (NSSQ). The NSSQ-Total score decreased by 18% from 161.9 to 133.5 (p = 0.0019) over 8 weeks. Patients with narcolepsy experienced modest improvements in daytime sleepiness on an LCKD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dietary Carbohydrates / administration & dosage*
  • Dietary Fats / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ketones / metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Narcolepsy / diet therapy*
  • Narcolepsy / physiopathology
  • Sleep

Substances

  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Dietary Fats
  • Ketones