Understanding Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep.
Key Fact: People with narcolepsy often find it difficult to stay awake for long periods of time, regardless of the circumstances.
Common Symptoms
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Falling asleep without warning, anywhere, at any time.
Cataplexy
Sudden loss of muscle tone often triggered by strong emotions like laughter or anger.
Sleep Paralysis
Temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or upon waking.
Hallucinations
Vivid, sometimes frightening visions while falling asleep or waking up (hypnagogic).
Risk Factors
- Age (starts between 10 and 30)
- Family history
- Genetic factors affecting hypocretin levels
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis
Diagnosis requires formal sleep studies to analyze sleep architecture and REM patterns.
Polysomnogram (PSG)
Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)
Hypocretin Level Test
Sleep History Review
Common Treatments
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Stimulants: Medications that help you stay awake during the day.
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SSRIs or SNRIs: Medications sometimes used to suppress REM sleep and treat cataplexy and hallucinations.
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Scheduled Naps: Taking short, planned naps during the day to help manage sleepiness.