Narcolepsy

Overview

Narcolepsy usually starts in adolescence or young adulthood. It cannot be cured, but treatment helps people manage symptoms and live normally.

Symptoms

• Excessive sleepiness during the day
• Falling asleep suddenly, even during activities
• Sudden muscle weakness triggered by emotions such as laughter (cataplexy)
• Being unable to move when falling asleep or waking (sleep paralysis)
• Vivid dreams or hallucinations when falling asleep

Causes and risk factors

It is often caused by a loss of brain cells that make hypocretin, a chemical that controls wakefulness. Genetics and immune factors may play a role.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis uses an overnight sleep study followed by a daytime nap test (MSLT).

Treatment

Treatment includes planned daytime naps, regular sleep habits and medicines to improve wakefulness and control cataplexy.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you are very sleepy during the day despite enough sleep. Do not drive if you are at risk of falling asleep.