What is Narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a rare sleep disorder that affects around 5 per 10,000 of people. It is caused by the brains inability to regulate normal sleep cycles. Most people with Narcolepsy first experience symptoms when they are aged between 15 and 30 years old. It is unclear what causes Narcolepsy.
What are the symptoms?
- Excessive Daytime Sleepiness – people with narcolepsy feel very sleepy throughout most of the day.
- Sleep Attacks – this is when people with narcolepsy fall asleep suddenly for somewhere between a few seconds to a few minutes at a time.
- Cataplexy – this is a sudden loss of muscle control, usually triggered by sudden changes in emotion such as amusement, anger or excitement
- Hallucinations – vivid visual images before falling asleep and upon waking.
- Temporary Paralysis – brief periods of not being able to move on falling asleep or on waking.
Treatment
- Make sure that you take regular exercise.
- Try to keep stress to a minimum
- Keep bedtimes regular, as it is important to get a proper night’s sleep.
If you think that you may have narcolepsy you should visit your doctor for more advice.
For more help and information
Narcolepsy Association (UK)
NHS Direct website
or telephone the helpline on 0845 46 47.
Last reviewed by Great Ormond Street Hospital: 16 June 2006
