Narcolepsy
Overview
Narcolepsy is a rare long-term brain condition that can prevent a person from choosing when to wake or sleep.
Symptoms
Excessive daytime sleepiness; sleep attacks (falling asleep suddenly); cataplexy (muscle weakness with emotion).
Causes
Narcolepsy is often caused by a lack of the brain chemical hypocretin (also known as orexin), which regulates wakefulness. The lack of hypocretin is thought to be caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the cells that produce it or the receptors that allow it to work. But this does not explain all cases of narcolepsy, and the exact cause of the problem is often unclear. Things that have been suggested as possible triggers of narcolepsy include: hormonal changes, which can occur during puberty or themenopausemajor psychological stressan infection, such asswine flu, or the medicine used to vaccinate against it (Pandemrix) Find out more about thecauses of narcolepsy.
Treatment
Stimulants (Modafinil); Antidepressants (for cataplexy); Sodium oxybate. Regular naps.
Prevention
Unknown. Management: regular sleep routine; short naps; healthy diet.
When to see a doctor
See GP if: excessive sleepiness affects driving/work/life.