Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a very common sleep disorder and a leading cause of excessive daytime sleepiness.

Narcolepsy is a very disabling illness. It is also highly under diagnosed because patients consult a physician only after many years of excessive sleepiness. In one recent study, there was an average of 14 years between the onset of symptoms and the correct diagnosis.

The symptoms of narcolepsy can appear all at once or can develop gradually over many years. The main symptoms of narcolepsy can be:

• excessive daytime sleepiness
• a sudden and brief loss of muscle control
• sleep paralysis
• disturbed nighttime sleep
• cataplexy, a striking, sudden episode of muscle weakness triggered by emotions. In severe cases, the sufferer may lose all reflexes and become paralyzed, lasting from a few seconds to several minutes.

Treatment for narcolepsy often requires medication but also can include adjustments in lifestyle. This may include following a regular sleep schedule, taking short naps during the day and being extremely cautious when performing potentially dangerous activities like driving or cooking.

Most people with narcolepsy can lead relatively normal daily lives if the condition is properly diagnosed and treated.