Modafinil and Sleep Deprivation

Modafinil, also known by the brand name Provigil, is a drug commonly prescribed to those with sleep disorders resulting in tiredness, like narcolepsy or sleep apnea. It was first approved for narcolepsy in the late 90s and has since been used to treat similar sleep disorders.

These disorders can affect a person’s ability to stay awake for the usual daily cycle. There is no cure for most sleep disorders, but with this medication, many people can live full and productive lives. This drug is highly effective in improving memory and cognition and is now used for a variety of off-label purposes. It has been known to help with test-taking aptitude, job functioning, and even jet-lag.

This article will highlight some of the most commonly asked questions about this drug, as well as the effects, warnings, and precautions one should take. Modafinil can be highly beneficial for those who want to increase alertness and the capacity of their overall brain function.

Modafinil and Sleep Cycles

This medication comes in pill form and is to be used to keep the person awake and alert. One benefit of this medication is that, unlike other psychostimulants, it does not give the user jitters or shakes. It is important to take medicine directly as prescribed to maintain a healthy sleep cycle. By taking as directed, a patient can have increased alertness during the day and sleep regularity at night. Keeping a proper sleep cycle is important for a healthy body and mind.

Normal Sleep Cycle

A normal sleep cycle is characterized by deep fluctuations between a semi-conscious state and deep R.E.M. sleep. Our minds usually control this at a steady pace, between 70 to 100 minutes. Your mind slowly drifts down into a deeper state of unconsciousness from the first state, which is a light sleep, until you reach the phase of R.E.M. or Rapid Eye Movement, where you are in a complete dream state. The body completes a sleep cycle a couple of times per night. Usually, if a person ends their cycle without waking, they will not remember their dreams. It is only when a person wakes up during the sleep cycle, interrupting that cycle, can they recall what they were dreaming. This disruption in the sleep cycle can cause sleep deprivation and effects similar to not having enough sleep. It is important to complete sleep cycles, so if you feel you are waking too often and are not feeling rested, seek the advice of a medical professional.

Effects on the Brain

Modafinil comes in pill form and is known as today’s smart drugs. Modafinil affects the brain’s memory and alertness. It also increases the dopamine levels within the synapse of the two sides of the brain. Now, many call it a smart drug because of the increase it gives to memory, cognition and overall intelligence. Studies have shown improvements in all of these areas in those using Modafinil versus those who are not. Talk to your doctor about possible long-term effects of the medication.

Modafinil and Sleep Deprivation

Modafinil can cause sleep deprivation if not taken properly. It is not recommended to take this medication later in the day because of its long-lasting effects. If taken too late in the day it can keep the user awake for anywhere from 10 to 15 hours later. It is not safe for anyone to purposefully keep themselves awake by using this, and it should be used responsibly. Always take the dosage that is recommended and take it in the mornings to avoid possible sleep deprivation.

Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation is a problem faced by many Americans today. It can be caused by a variety of things, including stress, sleep apnea, overworking, obesity, and a lower quality of life. It takes about 16 hours of the body being awake before it becomes too tired and starts to prepare itself for a sleep cycle. Your body may decide to act on its own by giving you brief sleep attacks. Similar to the attacks seen in narcolepsy, the body will take over and start to get sleep in short intervals, also known as microsleep. Sleep deprivation can be dangerous if it happens in a work environment, especially if the worker is operating heavy machinery or driving a vehicle. Many accidents on the road are caused by sleep deprivation, and it is just as dangerous as drink driving. After 48 hours it becomes almost impossible for an individual to keep themselves awake and control microsleep episodes.

National Sleep Values

The amount of sleep needed per night differs from person to person depending on their age, but it is usually between five to 10 hours.

Here are the values recommended by the National Sleep Foundation:

• newborn babies – 14 to 17 hours per day;
• infants – 12 to 15 hours per day;
• toddlers in the range of one to two years – 11 to 14 hours;
• teens – eight to 10 hours per day;
• adults – seven to nine hours per day;
• elderly – seven to eight hours per day.

The statistical chart below shows how much sleep we actually get on average:

Age	Gender	Average Sleep Amount
15-19	male	9.6 hours
15-19	female	9.5 hours
20-24	male	8.9 hours
20-24	female	8.8 hours
25-34	male	8.5 hours
25-34	female	8.6 hours
35-44	male	8.3 hours
35-44	female	8.4 hours
45-54	male	8.2 hours
45-54	female	8.4 hours
55-64	male	8.2 hours
55-64	female	8.3 hours
65 and up	male	9.0 hours
65 and up	female	8.9 hours

Warnings and Precautions

While Modafinil is safe to take, there can be some side effects. The most common side effect is insomnia. You should do research and talk to your pharmacist before taking this medication. Find out if you have any allergies to this medication ahead of time. Let them know if you have any other allergies because this medicine may contain inactive ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction. You should speak with a doctor if you have a known history of heart problems, such as irregular heartbeat, liver problems such as liver disease, any type of mental or mood disorder like mania or depression, and any abuse of drugs or a family history of such abuse. These all should be taken into account when considering if Modafinil is for you.

Interactions

There is some known interaction between Modafinil and other drugs. It is important to know how drug interactions work so that you can decrease your risk of side effects. Make sure that you are keeping a list of all medications that you are currently taking, and keep that list regular and up to date. Include both prescription and non-prescription drugs in your lists. There have been known interactions between these drugs and street drugs, so be safe and make sure not to take anything that will have a harmful reaction.

This drug has also been known to decrease the effectiveness of some medications, such as birth control in women. Take extra precautions against pregnancy if you plan to use this drug. Modafinil also has an effect on how long other drugs can stay in your body and how well they work. One example of a drug that can be affected is the drug used to treat hepatitis C, while another example is the reaction between Modafinil and caffeine. Caffeine should not be taken with this medication as it can increase side effects and cause the shakes or jitters. Patients have reported headaches and insomnia from the combination of these as well. Modafinil is similar to Armodafinil tablets and these two medications should not be taken together.

Insomnia

Insomnia is characterized by the inability to sleep during the usual hours within the human sleep cycle. A person’s body may be tired, but due to insomnia, they are unable to sleep. Insomnia can last for hours and can continue for days or weeks depending on the individual. In extreme cases of insomnia, a person can inhibit severe side effects such as loss of physical coordination and vivid hallucinations. It can cause danger when operating machinery because it affects the quickness of your reaction time. Even with the aid of Modafinil, you may not be able to react quickly enough. It is important to see a medical professional if your insomnia has gone on for more than a couple of days.

Where to Buy Modafinil Online?

You can purchase Modafinil online. A quick web search should show you websites such as modafinilxl.com. This is an example of a website that is a safe and affordable way to order Modafinil online. Use one of these online pharmacies to make sure you are getting your Modafinil from a reliable source and use responsibly.