Definition
Narcolepsy is technically defined by Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) and sleep attacks, in conjunction with one or more auxiliary symptoms, which can include Cataplexy, Hallucination, and Sleep Paralysis.
 
Narcolepsy is a severe disabling neurological disorder of sleep regulation that affects the control of sleep and wakefulness.

Symptoms
Individuals suffering from Narcolepsy may be characterized with the following symptoms:
• Excessive Daytime Sleepiness despite a full night’s sleep
• Sudden, uncontrollable sleep attacks lasting minutes to hours
• Inability to recall details of a task, even though you have evidence that you completed the task
• Cataplexy
• Hallucination
• Sleep Paralysis
 
Symptoms of Narcolepsy may appear suddenly or build up over a period of years. Sleep attacks, ranging from mild sleepiness to disabling naps, can occur at any time, during any activity.
 
If life has become a constant battle to stay awake, please seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Cataplexy
Cataplexy is the sudden, temporary loss of muscle tone in the body. When loss of muscle strength is severe, all the voluntary muscles in the body are affected, leading to complete collapse.
 
During a cataplectic attack, the person is completely awake and later will have total recall of the entire event. If episodes last longer than a few minutes, the patient may begin to hallucinate (distinguishable in occurrence from those described below). It is extremely rare for cataplexy to occur independently of narcolepsy. Indeed, Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and Cataplexy are sufficient for a diagnosis of narcolepsy.
 
Hallucination
Hypnogogic Hallucinations occur while falling asleep, and Hypnopompic Hallucinations upon awakening. These types of hallucination occur in a small percentage of individuals suffering from narcolepsy.
 
These Hallucinations are similar to nightmares, in that they are typically more intense, and their effects last longer than mild dreams or daydreams.
 
Sleep Paralysis
Sleep Paralysis is the inability to move immediately before falling asleep or upon awakening. This condition also occurs in a small percentage of individuals suffering from narcolepsy.
 
Risk Factors
The following are risk factors associated with Narcolepsy:
• Automobile accident
• Work-related injuries
• Injuries to one-self
• Injuries to people around individuals who suffer from narcolepsy
• Narcolepsy seems to run in families. 8%-12% of individuals suffering from narcolepsy also have have another family member with this condition.

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