Narcolepsy

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What Is Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological sleep disorder that affects the brain’s ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles. People with narcolepsy may feel very sleepy during the day and may fall asleep suddenly, even after a full night’s sleep. Some people also experience cataplexy, a sudden loss of muscle tone triggered by emotions.

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What Causes Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is linked to changes in the brain systems that control wakefulness and REM sleep. In narcolepsy type 1, low levels of hypocretin, also called orexin, are common. Genetics and autoimmune processes may play a role, although the exact cause is not always known.

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Living With Narcolepsy

Excessive daytime sleepiness can affect school, work, relationships, driving and everyday routines. Planned naps, regular sleep schedules and appropriate treatment may help people manage symptoms.

Tracking sleepiness, naps, triggers, cataplexy episodes, sleep paralysis, hallucinations and treatment effects can help identify patterns and prepare for medical appointments.

Types of Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is generally divided into two main types. Type 1 narcolepsy involves excessive daytime sleepiness together with cataplexy or low hypocretin levels.

Type 2 narcolepsy involves excessive daytime sleepiness without cataplexy and without confirmed low hypocretin levels.

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How Is Narcolepsy Treated?

Treatment focuses on reducing daytime sleepiness, managing symptoms such as cataplexy and improving daily functioning. Treatment may include medication, planned daytime naps and maintaining a regular sleep schedule.

The most appropriate treatment depends on a person’s symptoms, lifestyle, safety needs and response to treatment. Narcolepsy is a long-term condition, but symptoms can often be managed effectively.

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Safety and Daily Management

Narcolepsy can increase the risk of accidents, particularly when driving or performing activities that require sustained alertness. Some people may need adjustments at work or school and should discuss individual safety considerations with their doctor.

Regular sleep routines, planned naps and support from family, employers or teachers can also make everyday life easier.

Risks

Narcolepsy can affect anyone, but symptoms often begin in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood. Some people experience symptoms for years before receiving a diagnosis.

Having a family history of narcolepsy may slightly increase risk, although most people with narcolepsy do not have a close relative with the condition.

Delayed diagnosis or poorly controlled symptoms can affect education, work, emotional wellbeing and safety.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness and an overwhelming urge to sleep during the day.

Some people also experience cataplexy, sleep paralysis, vivid dream-like hallucinations when falling asleep or waking, and disrupted nighttime sleep.

Symptoms vary from person to person and can affect concentration, memory, mood and the ability to stay alert during everyday activities.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis usually starts with a discussion of symptoms, sleep habits and medical history. Doctors may use an overnight sleep study called polysomnography, followed by a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) to assess how quickly someone falls asleep during the day and when REM sleep occurs.

Sleep diaries or actigraphy may also be used. In certain cases, testing hypocretin levels may help support a diagnosis of narcolepsy type 1.