What Is Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a persistent sleep disorder thought to be associated with a disturbance of the sleep regulating system in the brain. Its cause is not fully understood and it cannot be cured. However, there are now various treatments that make it possible in many cases to live a more normal life.

The main symptom of narcolepsy is an irresistible need to fall asleep during the day, even after an apparently good night's sleep. People with narcolepsy tend to become drowsy or fall asleep without warning at inappropriate times, such as at work, or when eating or driving, and this can lead to dangerous accidents. It can also have a severe impact on their ability to live a normal life, and may lead to job loss, educational or emotional problems such as depression.

While excessive sleepiness is the most common symptom of narcolepsy, there are several other symptoms, and excessive sleepiness can also occur in other sleep disorders. It is therefore important that narcolepsy should be correctly diagnosed and treated.

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