Narcolepsy

What is narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness.

What are the signs/symptoms?

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) or feeling tired all the time
  • Cataplexy—loss of muscle control
  • Sleep paralysis—the feeling of being unable to move or speak though totally aware of environment
  • Disturbed nighttime sleep
  • Low motivation
  • Memory loss
  • Inability to concentrate

What causes narcolepsy in children?

The exact cause of narcolepsy is not known, however it appears to be a disorder affecting the part of the central nervous system that controls sleep and wakefulness.

How is narcolepsy treated?

There is no cure for narcolepsy but its symptoms can be controlled so a person diagnosed with the sleep disorder can lead a relatively normal life. Treatment options may include the following:

  • Medication
  • Behavioral modification

Reviewed by: Mercedes Bello, MD

This page was last updated on: January 28, 2021 04:28 PM

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