Narcolepsy

People with narcolepsy fall asleep at any time of the day, often when carrying out a monotonous task. Sleep may also occur at inappropriate times, such as while eating. Affected people can be awakened easily but may fall asleep again soon afterwards. Narcolepsy can seriously interfere with daily life.

Some people with narcolepsy have vivid hallucinations just before falling asleep. Others find that they are unable to move while they are falling asleep or waking up (sleep paralysis). About 3 in 4 people with narcolepsy also have cataplexy, in which there is a temporary loss of strength in the limbs that causes the person to fall to the ground. Cataplexy is sometimes triggered by an emotional response, such as fear or laughter.

The cause of narcolepsy is unknown, but it can run in families. It affects about 1 in 1,000 people in the UK, usually developing before the age of 20.


What might be done?

Your doctor will probably diagnose narcolepsy from your symptoms. EEG may also be used to record the electrical activity of your brain. These tests may be carried out while you are asleep in a hospital clinic.

You should take regular, short naps during the day and keep busy while you are awake. Your doctor may prescribe amphetamines, to help you to keep awake. Certain tri-cyclic antidepressant drugs are used to in treating people with cataplexy.

Although narcolepsy is usually a life-long condition, in some cases, there is a spontaneous improvement over time.