Narcolepsy

Need to know

• Symptoms of narcolepsy icon plus

  Narcolepsy occurs when the brain is unable to properly regulate sleeping and waking patterns. Although it does not cause long-term health problems, it can result in significant impacts on your daily life.
  
  The exact cause of narcolepsy is often unclear, but it is thought to be the result of a lack of a brain chemical called hypocretin, also known as orexin, which regulates wakefulness.The most common symptoms are:

  • Extreme tiredness (fatigue) during the day
  • Suddenly falling asleep without warning (a sleep attack)
  • A temporary loss of muscle control as a result of laughter or anger (cataplexy)
  • The inability to move during sleep (sleep paralysis)

• Diagnosis icon plus

  Your GP or consultant will discuss your narcolepsy symptoms with you. Tests they may recommend include:

  • Filling out an Epworth sleepiness scale questionnaire to determine how likely you are to fall asleep during different activities
  • Attending a specialist sleep clinic to assess the problems that you are having
  • Respiratory sleep study (to monitor your breathing, blood oxygen levels and heart rate)
  • Polysomnography (a sleep study that records your brain waves, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing and eye and leg movements)
  • Electroencephalogram (EEG) to monitor brainwaves

• Potential treatment options icon plus

  Treatment options for your sleep disorder depend on the nature of your condition. Your GP or consultant may consider recommending:

  • Counselling such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help you better manage unhelpful thoughts and habits relating to sleep
  • Advice on how to practice good sleeping habits such as taking brief, frequent naps during the day and sticking to a strict bedtime routine.
  • Medicines to stimulate your central nervous system and help you stay awake during the day