Nicole Delien (born November 6, 1995) from North Fayette, Pennsylvania, USA has a sleep disorder called Kleine-Levin Syndrome (KLS), also known as "Sleeping Beauty Syndrome." It is a rare disorder that causes recurring periods of excessive sleepiness. The syndrome causes Delien to sleep 18 to 19 hours a day, only to wake up to eat in a sleepwalking state that she doesn't remember. In 2012, at 17 years old, Delien slept for 64 days in a row. (Source: 1, 2, 3)
"Affected individuals may go for a period of weeks, months or even years without experiencing any symptoms, and then symptoms reappear with little warning. At the onset of an episode the patient becomes progressively drowsy and sleeps for the most of the day and night (Hypersomnolence), sometimes walking only to eat or go to bathroom. Each episode lasts days, weeks or months during which time all normal day activities stop." the Kleine Levin Syndrome Foundation website stated. (Source: 4)
Along with experiencing sleepy symptoms, people with KLS sometimes exhibit hallucinations, disorientation, irritability childish behavior, increased appetite and excessive sex drive. The exact cause of KLS is still unknown. (Source: 5)
Delien started showing symptoms of the disorder when she was six-and-a-half years old. They went to various hospitals until a doctor at Allegheny General Hospital was finally identified Delien’s symptoms. He gave some suggestions on how to manage it, including medication. (Source: 1, 6)
The disorder has caused Delien to miss out on Birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas and even the first family trip to Disney World. She also missed out on an opportunity to meet Katy Perry, a pop singer. When Katy learned about Delien’s disorder, however, she made sure Nicole visited her backstage at another event later. (Source: 1, 6)
Imaarl Duprey from Lewisham, London, also slept almost continuously for 59 days because of 'Sleeping Beauty' disorder, which affects an estimated 1,000 people around the world. A 17-year-old Colombian teen, Sharik Tovar, has also been suffering from KLS ever since she was two. Once, Sharik stayed asleep for 70 days in a row. ( Source: 7, 8)
"KLS is a very rare syndrome with no known cause or cure. Our goals are to raise awareness, support scientific research, to find effective treatment and ultimately a cure for Kleine-Levin Syndrome." Kleine Levin Syndrome Foundation (Source: 9)
YOU CAN HELP THOSE LIVING WITH KLS. Click HERE to donate.
Top Image credit: CBS News/YouTube (screenshot)
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