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Key Points
- Narcolepsy is a disorder that causes periods of
extreme daytime sleepiness. Rarely, people who have this disorder fall asleep
suddenly during routine activities. Most people who have narcolepsy also have
trouble sleeping at night.
- Narcolepsy also may cause cataplexy,
hallucinations (vivid dreams) during sleep, and sleep paralysis. Sleep
paralysis is a condition that prevents you from moving or speaking while waking
up and sometimes while falling asleep. Cataplexy is a condition that causes
sudden loss of muscle tone while you're awake.
- People who have narcolepsy have low levels of
hypocretin. This is a chemical in the brain that helps control levels of
wakefulness. Researchers think that certain factors may work together to cause
a lack of hypocretin. Examples of these factors include heredity; brain
injuries; contact with toxins, such as pesticides; and autoimmune
disorders.
- Narcolepsy affects between 50,000 and 2.4 million
people in the United States. Symptoms usually begin during the teen or young
adult years. Narcolepsy affects both men and women.
- The four major signs and symptoms of narcolepsy
are extreme daytime sleepiness, cataplexy (muscle weakness) while awake, and
hallucinations and sleep paralysis during sleep. Most people who have
narcolepsy also don't sleep well at night. They may have trouble falling and
staying asleep. Vivid, scary dreams may disturb sleep.
- It can take as long as 10 to 15 years after the
first symptoms appear before narcolepsy is recognized and diagnosed. This is
because narcolepsy is fairly rare. Also, many of the symptoms of narcolepsy are
liked symptoms of other illnesses.
- Narcolepsy is diagnosed based on your signs and
symptoms, your medical and family histories, a physical exam, and results from
tests.
- Narcolepsy has no cure. However, medicines,
lifestyle changes, and other therapies can relieve many of its symptoms.
Treatment for narcolepsy is based on the type of symptoms you have and how
severe they are.
- Living with narcolepsy can be hard. It can affect
your ability to drive, work, go to school, and have relationships. Besides
taking medicine, you can do many things to live a safe and satisfying life.
Talk to your doctor about how to cope with your condition.
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