A house RESOLUTION

 

TO DECLARE SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 2023, "SUDDENLY SLEEPY SATURDAY" in south carolina in order to raise awareness for the need for research and clinical trials, diagnostic testing, and access to care for individuals who suffer from narcolepsy.

 

Whereas, narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder caused by the brain's inability to regulate sleep-wake cycles and involves irregular patterns in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. People with narcolepsy often experience excessive daytime sleepiness, which is the persistent feeling of tiredness, making it difficult to stay awake and alert throughout the day; and

 

Whereas, narcolepsy affects an estimated one in every two thousand Americans. It affects both sexes equally and occurs throughout the world, but it is often under-recognized and under-diagnosed; and

 

Whereas, the symptoms of narcolepsy, especially when undiagnosed, can lead to accidents, injuries, and problems with learning and working. Approximately seventy percent of people with narcolepsy have cataplexy, a sudden muscle weakness triggered by strong emotions; and

 

Whereas, narcolepsy affects people neurologically, socially, and emotionally, and they often experience excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, disrupted or fragmented nighttime sleep, hallucinations, and sleep paralysis; and

 

Whereas, narcolepsy affects people of all ages, with onset typically occurring between the ages of fifteen and twenty-five; and

 

Whereas, on average, it takes a patient over six years to be diagnosed with narcolepsy after first experiencing symptoms. Once recognized and diagnosed, narcolepsy is generally stable and can most often be effectively treated; and

 

Whereas, research shows that narcolepsy patients have an increased prevalence of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes; and

 

Whereas, narcolepsy patients need trained providers to address their comorbidities and treat additional underlying health concerns; and

 

Whereas, Narcolepsy Network is a national nonprofit organization founded in 1986 which was created to promote awareness of the disease and to provide support and resources for those who suffer from narcolepsy. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, declare Saturday, March 11, 2023, "Suddenly Sleepy Saturday" in South Carolina in order to raise awareness for the need for research and clinical trials, diagnostic testing, and access to care for individuals who suffer from narcolepsy.

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