Sudden loss of muscle tone or episodes of muscle weakness while you are awake are known as cataplexy.This type of narcolepsy involves a combination of excessive daytime sleepiness and one or both of the following: There are two types of narcolepsy: Narcolepsy type 1 Medical conditions, mental health disorders, and use of certain medications or substances can also cause symptoms similar to narcolepsy These include sleep apnea, circadian rhythm disorders, and restless legs syndrome.

Other sleep disorders that cause daytime sleepiness are often mistaken for narcolepsy. Some people think because they are consistently tired during the day that they may have narcolepsy. This is especially true when you consider that many people with narcolepsy often have difficulty sleeping through the night because of unwanted awakenings.

When you add up the hours of total sleep time, people with narcolepsy don’t necessarily sleep any more than people who don’t have narcolepsy. Narcolepsy may run in some families, but most cases are not genetic. The average delay in diagnosis is 8 to 10 years. Pediatric onset is common, as is a delay in diagnosing the disorder. However, it is thought that about 50% of patients with narcolepsy may be undiagnosed and therefore the prevalence may be underestimated. About one in 2,000 people have some form of narcolepsy. Many people with narcolepsy do not know they have the sleep disorder. Operating a vehicle with untreated narcolepsy can be dangerous – make sure to check your state driving laws. Learning to manage narcolepsy symptoms is important as it can interfere with daily activities including eating, walking, and/or driving. Narcolepsy can impact nearly every aspect of your life. Individuals with narcolepsy feel overwhelmingly tired, and in some cases, can have sudden episodes of muscle weakness (cataplexy). Narcolepsy is a lifelong neurologic disorder that is characterized by the inability to control normal sleep wake cycles. Morse, DO and Andrea Matsumura, MD What is narcolepsy? Resources for Health Care ProfessionalsĪugust 2020 | Reviewed by : Anne M.

Polysomnography can detect breathing disorders (such as obstructive sleep apnea), seizure disorders, narcolepsy, periodic limb movement disorder, and unusual movements and behaviors during sleep (parasomnias). A painless clip is attached to a finger or an ear to record oxygen levels in the blood. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a simple, painless procedure in which. read more, or ECG), muscle activity ( electromyography Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Studies Diagnostic procedures may be needed to confirm a diagnosis suggested by the medical history and neurologic examination. This record, the electrocardiogram (also known as an ECG). Electrodes are also attached to other areas of the body to record heart rate ( electrocardiography Electrocardiography Electrocardiography (ECG) is a quick, simple, painless procedure in which the heart’s electrical impulses are amplified and recorded. The recordings help provide doctors with information about sleep stages. read more, or EEG) as well as eye movements. Electrodes are pasted to the scalp and face to record the brain's electrical activity ( electroencephalography Electroencephalography Diagnostic procedures may be needed to confirm a diagnosis suggested by the medical history and neurologic examination. Polysomnography is usually done in a sleep laboratory, which may be located in a hospital, clinic, hotel room, or other facility that is equipped with a bed, bathroom, and monitoring equipment.

Symptoms of cataplexy