Narcolepsia

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the brain's ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles. Individuals with narcolepsy experience excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), which can be overwhelming and disruptive to daily life. This sleepiness is not simply feeling tired; it is an irresistible urge to sleep that can occur at any time, regardless of activity.

Other common symptoms include cataplexy, a sudden loss of muscle tone triggered by strong emotions such as laughter or surprise. Sleep paralysis, a temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up, can also occur. Hallucinations, vivid dream-like experiences that happen during transitions between sleep and wakefulness, are another hallmark symptom.

The exact cause of narcolepsy is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to a deficiency in hypocretin, a brain chemical that helps regulate wakefulness. In most cases, narcolepsy is thought to be an autoimmune condition where the body mistakenly attacks the cells that produce hypocretin. It can affect people of any age, though it is often diagnosed in adolescence or early adulthood.

Diagnosis typically involves a sleep study (polysomnogram) and a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT). While there is no cure for narcolepsy, treatments aim to manage symptoms. These include stimulant medications to combat excessive daytime sleepiness, antidepressants for cataplexy and hallucinations, and lifestyle adjustments such as scheduled naps and maintaining a regular sleep schedule.