Narcolepsy

Overview

Narcolepsy causes overwhelming daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks.

Some people have cataplexy: sudden muscle weakness triggered by laughter or strong emotions.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Severe daytime sleepiness
• Falling asleep suddenly or very sleepy during the day
• Muscles go weak when laughing or surprised

Less common

• Cataplexy
• Sleep paralysis
• Vivid dreams
• Waking often at night

When to get medical care

Causes

Loss of orexin cells.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Teens

Diagnosis

Sleep studies.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Sleep study and MSLT:

Treatment

Plan naps.

Self-care

• Regular sleep schedule
• Short naps
• Take short planned naps
• Avoid driving when sleepy

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a sleep medicine specialist.

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• Sleep Foundation of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (sleepeducation.org): Sleep center finder and patient guides.
• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Teens and young adults: Often starts then.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Manageable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Which medicines help?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Narcolepsy