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Conditions InDepth: Narcolepsy

Michael Jubinville, MPH
En Español (Spanish Version)
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Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder. People who have it may fall asleep at any point during the day. This happens quickly and without control. Sleep attacks last 3 to 30 minutes long. They also carry a risk of danger. They can happen at any time such as while driving or standing on a ladder. Narcolepsy can make it harder on your work and social life.

The exact cause is unknown. There may be a combination of problems with:

  • Certain genes in the brain
  • The immune system—it attacks healthy cells
  • Your environment
What are the risk factors for narcolepsy?
What are the symptoms of narcolepsy?
How is narcolepsy diagnosed?
What are the treatments for narcolepsy?
Are there screening tests for narcolepsy?
How can I reduce my risk of narcolepsy?
What questions should I ask my doctor?
Where can I get more information about narcolepsy?
REFERENCES:

Narcolepsy. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116132/Narcolepsy. Updated November 14, 2017. Accessed August 24, 2018.

Narcolepsy. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. National Institutes of Health website. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/narcolepsy. Accessed August 24, 2018.

Narcolepsy fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Narcolepsy-Fact-Sheet. Updated July 6, 2018. Accessed August 24, 2018.

Last reviewed May 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcin Chwistek, MD  Last Updated: 8/24/2018