What is Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles. People with narcolepsy experience excessive daytime sleepiness and may have sudden, uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep during the day. These episodes can occur at inappropriate times, such as during work or conversations, and can last from a few seconds to several minutes.

In addition to excessive daytime sleepiness, narcolepsy is often characterized by other symptoms, including:

Cataplexy: Sudden loss of muscle tone, leading to weakness or paralysis, usually triggered by strong emotions like laughter, surprise, or anger.
Sleep paralysis: Brief inability to move or speak when falling asleep or waking up.
Hypnagogic hallucinations: Vivid dream-like experiences that occur when falling asleep or waking up.
Fragmented nighttime sleep: People with narcolepsy may have disrupted nighttime sleep, experiencing frequent awakenings or difficulty staying asleep.

The exact cause of narcolepsy is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors that affect the brain’s production of certain neurotransmitters, particularly hypocretin (orexin), which plays a role in regulating wakefulness.

Treatment for narcolepsy typically involves a combination of lifestyle modifications and medications. Lifestyle changes may include establishing regular sleep schedules, taking short scheduled naps during the day, and avoiding activities that can worsen symptoms, such as alcohol consumption or sleep deprivation. Medications like stimulants, antidepressants, and sodium oxybate (Xyrem) may also be prescribed to help manage symptoms and improve daytime alertness.