Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder marked by overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden “sleep attacks.” It can greatly disrupt daily activities, potentially posing safety risks (e.g., if one falls asleep while driving).
Key Points:
- Types of Narcolepsy:
- Type 1: Narcolepsy with cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness triggered by strong emotions).
- Type 2: Narcolepsy without cataplexy.
- Symptoms: Excessive daytime sleepiness, fragmented nighttime sleep, sleep paralysis, and vivid hypnagogic (as you fall asleep) or hypnopompic (as you awaken) hallucinations.
- Causes: Often linked to decreased levels of hypocretin (a brain chemical regulating sleep/wake cycles), possibly due to autoimmune factors.
- Treatment: Stimulants or wakefulness-promoting agents for daytime sleepiness, and sometimes antidepressants for cataplexy.
