Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder where a person suddenly falls asleep at inappropriate times.
It is a long-term neurological condition that disrupts normal sleeping patterns.
The symptoms of narcolepsy can range from mild to severe and may include:
- sleep attacks – falling asleep suddenly, without warning
- excessive daytime sleepiness
- cataplexy – temporary muscle weakness in response to emotions such as laughter and anger
Read more about the symptoms of narcolepsy.
What causes narcolepsy?
Many cases of narcolepsy are now known to be caused by an autoimmune response.
This is where antibodies (infection-fighting proteins) are released by the body, but instead of destroying disease-carrying organisms and toxins, they attack healthy cells and tissue.
In the case of narcolepsy, antibodies attack areas of the brain that produce a sleep-regulating chemical called orexin (also known as hypocretin). This leads to a deficiency in orexin, resulting in narcolepsy (in particular, narcolepsy with cataplexy).
However, research has shown some people with narcolepsy still produce near-normal levels of orexin. In these cases, the exact cause remains unclear.
Read more about the causes of narcolepsy.
Diagnosing narcolepsy
To correctly diagnose narcolepsy, your GP will closely examine your medical and family history. They will ask about your sleeping habits and any other symptoms you have.
Your GP may also carry out tests to help rule out other underlying conditions that could be causing your excessive daytime sleepiness.
If your GP thinks you have narcolepsy, you will be referred to a sleep disorder specialist for an in-depth analysis of your sleep patterns.
Read more about sleep analysis and diagnosing narcolepsy.
Treating narcolepsy
There is currently no cure for narcolepsy. However, you can manage your symptoms and minimise the impact the condition has on your daily life.
Taking frequent, brief naps evenly spaced through the day is one of the best ways to manage excessive daytime drowsiness. This may be difficult when you are at work or school, but your GP should be able to devise a sleep schedule that will help your body get into a routine of taking naps.
Keeping to a strict bedtime routine can also help. Whenever possible, you should go to bed at the same time each night, and try to get at least eight hours sleep a night. This will enable your body to get into a regular routine and help ensure your night-time sleep is less disturbed.
Read more about treating narcolepsy.
Complications
If you have narcolepsy, it should not cause serious or long-term health problems. However, the condition can have a significant impact on your daily life.
Many people with narcolepsy find it difficult to deal with the condition on an emotional level, which can cause problems at home, work or school.
Tell your GP if narcolepsy is making you feel low or depressed. As well as providing advice, they may put you in touch with a narcolepsy support group in your area or a national organisation, such as Narcolepsy UK.
Driving
You must stop driving immediately if you have narcolepsy. It is your legal obligation to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about any medical condition that might have an impact on your ability to drive.
See the GOV.UK website for information about how to tell the DVLA about a medical condition.
