by Shelley G.

Created on: December 17, 2011   Last Updated: December 18, 2011

     While sometimes considered to be a mental health condition, narcolepsy is actually a neurologically-based sleep disorder.  According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS), narcolepsy is "a chronic disorder of the central nervous system characterized by the brain's inability to control sleep-wake cycles." It is a chronic, life-long condition of unknown origin.  As such, there is no cure for narcolepsy. Research conducted in recent years show a possible link in some narcolepsy patients who have a decreased amount of hypocretin, a protein produced in the brain.  Other schools of thought point to the  possibility that narcolepsy is influenced by immune system defects, environmental triggers, hormones, stress, trauma and infection.

     Excessive daytime sleepiness, or EDS, is the most common symptom of narcolepsy.  It does not make for a definitive diagnosis of narcolepsy as it is also a  symptom of other sleep disorders.  EDS is characterized by debilitating sleepiness.  If untreated, the narcoleptic falls asleep with very little warning during normal daytime activities, such as reading, driving, eating, talking, watching  tv, or working.

     One  symptom that is present in narcolepsy but not present in other sleep disorders is cataplexy.  NINDS defines cataplexy as a "sudden loss of muscle tone that leads to feelings of weakness and a loss of voluntary muscle control."  Cataplexy can occur without warning, but most often occurs as the result of sudden,  strongly felt emotions, such as fear, humor/laughter, excitement, or anger.

     Two other symptoms of narcolepsy, but not exclusive to it, are sleep paralysis and hallucinations.  Sleep paralysis is similar to cataplexy but occurs right as one is falling asleep or waking up.  It is quite frightening, especially when the narcoleptic experiences it for the first time.  During an episode, one suddenly becomes fully awake with the inability to move at all.  When the episode passes, all bodily functions return to normal.  Hallucinations might occur alone or along with sleep paralysis.  They may occur during the onset of sleep or while waking up, and are known for being very vivid.

Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should have a complete physical.  It is recommended to request a follow-up referral to a neurologist or sleep study clinic.  With proper medical treatment, narcolepsy can be controlled and a high quality of life can be enjoyed.

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