What is Narcolepsy?

Ever felt suddenly overwhelmingly sleepy during the day, even after a full night’s rest? Imagine that… but every single day. That’s narcolepsy.

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder where the brain loses its ability to properly regulate sleep-wake cycles. It’s not laziness, and it’s not “just being tired.”

People with narcolepsy may experience:

• Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS): Uncontrollable sleepiness or “sleep attacks” that can strike at any moment—while talking, eating, or even walking.

  
  

• Cataplexy: Sudden loss of muscle tone, triggered by strong emotions like laughter, surprise, or anger without losing consciousness.

  
  

• Sleep Paralysis: Being awake but unable to move when falling asleep or waking up.

  
  

• Hypnagogic Hallucinations: Vivid, often frightening dreams that feel real during sleep transitions.

  
  

• Disrupted Nighttime Sleep: Difficulty staying asleep at night, despite being exhausted during the day.

  
  

There are two types:

Type 1: Includes cataplexy and a deficiency in hypocretin (also called orexin), a brain chemical that keeps us awake and regulates REM sleep.

Type 2: Similar symptoms, but without cataplexy and with normal hypocretin levels.

Narcolepsy can start in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood, and it often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years.

It’s a serious neurological disability that can deeply affect quality of life, relationships, safety, and mental health. While there’s no cure yet, symptoms can be managed with medication, lifestyle adjustments, and the right support, helping people with narcolepsy live meaningful, fulfilling lives.

#Neuroscience #NarcolepsyAwareness #SleepDisorders #MentalHealthMatters #InvisibleDisabilities #BrunPsychology #WhyYourBrainLovesYou