Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles. People with narcolepsy often feel very sleepy during the day and may suddenly fall asleep at inappropriate times.
What are the types of Narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy Type 1 (with cataplexy):
Characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden loss of muscle tone (cataplexy), often triggered by strong emotions like laughter or surprise. Caused by loss of hypocretin/orexin, a brain chemical that regulates wakefulness.
How Narcolepsy can be diagnosed?
Polysomnography (PSG): Overnight sleep study.
Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT): Measures how quickly someone falls asleep during the day and if they enter REM sleep too quickly.
CSF Hypocretin Test: Sometimes used to confirm diagnosis.
Narcolepsy Type 2 (without cataplexy):
Similar excessive daytime sleepiness but without cataplexy.
Hypocretin levels are usually normal.
What are the symptoms of Narcolepsy?
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS): Irresistible need to sleep, “sleep attacks” during the day.
Cataplexy (in Type 1): Sudden muscle weakness triggered by emotions.
Sleep Paralysis: Temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up.
Hypnagogic/Hypnopompic Hallucinations: Vivid, dream-like experiences at sleep onset or awakening.
Fragmented Nighttime Sleep: Frequent awakenings at night despite being very sleepy in the day.
