Everyone has had the experience of falling asleep during the day at an inappropriate time—during a dull lecture, for example. Usually, these experiences are normal, caused by a lack of sleep. However, people who generally get enough rest but often fall asleep at inappropriate times may be suffering from narcolepsy.

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder caused by the brain’s inability to regulate sleep-wake cycles normally and is associated with uncontrollable sleepiness and frequent daytime sleeping.

The cause of narcolepsy is unknown. However, it is likely that narcolepsy involves multiple factors interacting to cause neurological dysfunction and sleep disturbances. Because the disorder’s severity can vary, not everyone with narcolepsy will experience all symptoms. Narcolepsy affects both sexes equally and develops with age. Narcolepsy patients typically endure many years of daytime sleepiness before seeking treatment.

Common Narcolepsy Symptoms

The following are some of the symptoms of narcolepsy someone may experience.

• Abnormal tendency to sleep during the day
• Cataplexy, or momentary paralysis brought on by a sudden emotional reaction such as anger, fear or joy
• Sleep paralysis, or occasional attacks of momentary paralysis when the patient is going to sleep or has just woken up
• Memory loss
• Dream-like hallucinations

Narcolepsy is most commonly diagnosed using nocturnal polysomnography and the Multiple Sleep Latency Test.

Most Common Narcolepsy Treatment Techniques

There is no cure for narcolepsy. Treatment focuses on alleviating the symptoms so that patients can live normal lives.

• Behavior modification, including planned daytime naps, an established routine sleep schedule, maintaining a regular exercise and eating schedule and avoid alcohol, nicotine and caffeine.
• Prescription stimulants
• Antidepressant medication to suppress cataplexy attacks

For more information, call the Sleep Center at 865.305.6740.