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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffNarcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep. People with narcolepsy often find it difficult to stay awake for long periods of time, regardless of the circumstances. Narcolepsy can cause serious disruptions in your daily routine.
Contrary to what some people believe, narcolepsy isn't related to depression, seizure disorders, fainting, simple lack of sleep or other conditions that may cause abnormal sleep patterns.
Narcolepsy is a chronic condition for which there's no cure. However, medications and lifestyle changes can help you manage the symptoms. Talking to others — family, friends, employer, teachers — can help you cope with narcolepsy.
- Narcolepsy fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/pubs/narcolepsy.htm. Accessed April 8, 2010.
- Scammel T. Diagnosis and neurobiology of narcolepsy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 8, 2010.
- Scammel T. Treatment of narcolepsy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 8, 2010.
- Wise MS, et al. Treatment of narcolepsy and other hypersomnias of central origin. Sleep. 2007;30:1712.
- Narcolepsy. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/nar/nar_all.html. Accessed April 11, 2010.
- Morgenthaler TI, et al. Practice parameters for the treatment of narcolepsy and other hypersomnias of central origin. Sleep. 2007;30:1705.
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