What is Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by a frequent, and sometimes uncontrollable, desire for sleep, or sleep attacks. While the cliché of someone with narcolepsy suddenly falling asleep mid-sentence is not common, it is true that these sleep attacks can be intense and often require lifestyle adjustments to cope.

The result of untreated narcolepsy tends to be irregular patterns and rhythms of sleeping. For example, someone suffering from narcolepsy may end up sleeping several times during the day and then having trouble sleeping at night. Poor sleeping patterns are not only inconvenient but can also lead to sleep deprivation which will affect every aspect of your life.

There are two types of Narcolepsy, Type 1 and Type 2. The difference between both types of narcolepsy is whether or not Cataplexy is present.

Cataplexy is an episode in which strong emotion causes a sudden loss of muscle tone, which is what keeps our bodies upright. Cataplexy can result in a full-body collapse or something less severe like a slack jaw.

• Type 1 Narcolepsy includes the presence of Cataplexy
• Type 2 Narcolepsy does not include Cataplexy

Around 75% of Narcoleptics have Type 1.

How Common is Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is not common and is relatively rare. Here are some facts about its prevalence:

• It affects only about 1 in every 2000 people
• Narcolepsy symptoms generally begin to appear in people between the ages of 10-30 years old
• From the time symptoms begin, the average time to diagnoses is about 7 years
• It is estimated that only 25% of people with narcolepsy have received a formal diagnosis

What Causes Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is caused by the loss of a brain chemical called hypocretin. Hypocretin is a neurotransmitter that is involved in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. Without its presence, the body is unable to adequately regulate sleep. It is not understood exactly what causes the loss of hypocretin, but current research points to a combination of genetic and environmental factors as causes.

Researchers have also identified a gene that is linked to narcolepsy, which about one-quarter of the U.S. population carries. While identifying this gene seems initially promising for early diagnosis, only about 1 in 500 people with this gene will develop narcolepsy, which means it is not very specific for this diagnosis.

What are Narcolepsy Symptoms?

Narcolepsy symptoms can feel and appear similar to other issues that cause chronic fatigue. The primary symptoms of narcolepsy are:

• Sleep attacks
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Cataplexy
• Sleep paralysis, which is a temporary inability to move or sleep after waking
• Hallucinations before sleep and after waking up, which are temporary, vivid, dream-like visions or delusions
• Disrupted nighttime sleep

What are the Risks of Narcolepsy?

The severity of Narcolepsy symptoms creates safety dangers associated with this sleep disorder, such as driving accidents. This means that many occupations are likely not suitable for someone with narcolepsy, such as pilots, drivers, or surgeons.

Any profession where a sudden sleep attack would result in endangering others is off the table. People with narcolepsy may also have trouble getting a driver’s license.

Additionally, the sleep deprivation that can result from Narcolepsy has negative health consequences, including:

• Lower life expectancy
• Sleep deprivation linked to heart disease and stroke [source]
• Decreased immune function (in one study, people who received less than 7 hours of sleep were three times more likely to develop a cold than those with 8 hours or more of sleep)
• Strong link of sleep deprivation to weight gain
• Lower glucose metabolism and Type 2 diabetes risk [source]
• Link to increased inflammation [source] (those of you with IBS or other bowel disorders may have already noticed a relationship between your gut and your sleep)

How is Narcolepsy Diagnosed and Treated?

A narcolepsy diagnosis requires a sleep study.

This sleep disorder can be treated well with medications and lifestyle adjustments, though there will likely always be situations in which additional accommodations for narcolepsy symptoms will need to be made.

If the symptoms in this article sound familiar, or you are concerned about another sleep disorder, then please click the orange button below to take a free online sleep test and talk with one of our sleep health professionals.