Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes sudden, uncontrollable daytime sleepiness.
People who have narcolepsy often experience extreme sleepiness during the day and have muscular weakness when they feel angry, surprised, or amused. They may have terrifying dreams or hallucinations as they fall asleep. People may involuntarily fall asleep during the day while at work, school, during an activity, or even while driving. While it is usually brief—sometimes only a few seconds—it can be very dangerous and can lead to additional medical issues.
Common Symptoms of Narcolepsy
In addition to daytime sleepiness, people with narcolepsy may also have disrupted, unrestful sleep throughout the night. Narcolepsy often emerges in young adulthood and is a life-long medical sleep disorder. Narcolepsy is often misdiagnosed. A sleep study which includes a polysomnogram and multiple sleep latency test is essential to diagnosing narcolepsy. We’ll work with you and your primary care provider to develop a treatment plan and medication that helps you cope with your disorder so you are able to lead a normal lifestyle.
Extreme daytime sleepiness
Automatic behaviors
Sudden loss of muscle tone
Sleep paralysis
Hallucinations
Changes in REM sleep
Learn More About Narcolepsy
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COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT NARCOLEPSY
Can people with narcolepsy fall asleep without warning?
People with narcolepsy can experience overwhelming daytime sleepiness and unintended sleep episodes. These episodes can occur during everyday activities and may create safety concerns, particularly when driving or operating equipment.
Why is narcolepsy often misdiagnosed?
Narcolepsy can be difficult to recognize because excessive daytime sleepiness may be attributed to insufficient sleep, stress, medications, other health conditions, or another sleep disorder. A comprehensive evaluation is important when narcolepsy is suspected.
How is narcolepsy diagnosed?
A narcolepsy diagnosis typically involves a detailed sleep history and an overnight polysomnogram followed by a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT). The overnight study helps evaluate nighttime sleep and rule out other causes of excessive sleepiness, while the MSLT measures how quickly a person falls asleep during scheduled daytime naps and whether sleep-onset REM periods occur.
Is narcolepsy treatable?
Narcolepsy is a lifelong condition, but treatment can help manage symptoms and improve daily functioning. Treatment may include medication, scheduled naps, consistent sleep routines, and other strategies recommended by a sleep specialist.
When should I talk to a sleep specialist about excessive daytime sleepiness?
If you regularly struggle to stay awake during the day despite getting adequate sleep, especially if you experience sudden sleep episodes, sleep paralysis, vivid dream-like experiences around sleep, or cataplexy, talk with a healthcare provider or sleep specialist.
Other Sleep Disorders
Sleep Apnea
& Snoring
Insomnia
Shift Work
Disorder
Restless Leg
Syndrome
Concerned About Narcolepsy?
If you experience sudden daytime sleepiness or trouble staying awake, you may have narcolepsy—a chronic but manageable sleep disorder. With proper diagnosis and treatment, many people find relief and are able to lead more balanced, alert lives.