Narcolepsy is a disorder of the central nervous system in which abnormal brain chemistry disrupts the normal wake/sleep cycle. People with narcolepsy often feel excessively sleepy during waking hours. In fact, they usually feel strong urges to sleep several times a day. If the urge becomes overwhelming, they can stay asleep for a few seconds or a few minutes. In rare instances, their sleep attacks can last an hour or longer.

Sudden bouts of sleep can occur at any time and in just about any situation. If you have narcolepsy, you can fall asleep at work, in school, while talking with someone, reading a book, attending a meeting or eating a meal.

Narcolepsy occurs in about one out of every 2,000 Americans. Men and women of any age can be diagnosed with it, but the first symptoms usually appear in young adults, between the ages of 15 and 30.

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is the most common symptom of narcolepsy, but you can also experience any of the other three most common manifestations: cataplexy, sleep paralysis or hallucinations. 

• Cataplexy is a sudden loss of muscle tone in response to strong emotional reactions, such as laughter or anger. 
  
  
• Sleep paralysis is a condition in which you are unable to move or talk as you wake up or drop off to sleep. This can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. 
  
  
• Hypnogogic hallucinations are episodes of seeing and/or hearing things as you fall asleep. The hallucinations can be vivid, bizarre and disturbing.

Currently, there is no treatment for the cause of narcolepsy; treatment is aimed at improving its symptoms. Medication is prescribed to improve alertness and also to help control cataplexy, sleep paralysis and hallucinations.

Narcolepsy is a disorder of the central nervous system in which the brain is unable to normally regulate the wake/sleep cycles. Its cause is unknown, but studies suggest that specific genes may play a part in the disorder. It may also be that there are abnormalities in the areas of the brain that regulate the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep. The most recent research has found that narcolepsy may be due to low levels of a certain brain chemical called hypocretin. Without hypocretin, other brain chemicals that help you stay alert don’t appear to function.

Some rare cases of narcolepsy are the result of traumatic injuries to the area of the brain that regulates REM sleep, as well as from tumors or other diseases that impact that same region. Other factors could include infections, exposure to toxins, diet, stress and hormonal changes.

Epidemiology

In most cases, narcolepsy is diagnosed in young adults. Its symptoms are most often seen after puberty starts. People usually begin to notice symptoms between about 15 and 30 years of age, although symptoms can develop at any time. It affects both men and women.

Narcolepsy often goes undiagnosed for a decade or more after the onset of symptoms. This is because narcolepsy’s symptoms can be subtle and somewhat inconsistent at first. Sleep studies, such as a polysomnogram and/or the multiple sleep latency test are essential in diagnosing narcolepsy. 

Narcolepsy is a chronic condition that is not fatal. But it can affect daily life due to: 

• Accidents and injures that can occur if sleep attacks take place during activities 
• Possible inadequate performance at work or school due to sleep attacks 
• Shortened social interactions 
• Side effects of medication [link to treatment page]
  
  

Since none of the current medications used to treat narcolepsy allow patients to fully attain a consistent, normal level of alertness, changing certain behaviors is vital in managing this condition. Here are some common strategies you can adopt:

• Take short naps on a regular schedule. If you have a job, this may require negotiations with your employer. If you’re in school, you may need to modify your class schedule. 
• Improve the quality of nighttime sleep through sound sleep hygiene.[link to sleep hygiene page] 
• Get on — and stay on — a regular sleep schedule. 
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking several hours before bed. 
• Maintain a comfortable sleeping-room temperature. 
• Participate in relaxing activities, such as a warm bath, before bedtime. 
• Exercise at least 20 minutes per day at least 4 or 5 hours before bed. 
• Engage in safety precautions, especially when driving. If you have narcolepsy, you may be able to drive for short distances, during certain times of the day, or after taking prescribed stimulant medication(s).

Be sure to check with a sleep medicine specialist to learn about more strategies that will fit your unique situation.