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Narcolepsy is a rare sleep disorder. A person with narcolepsy is extremely sleepy all the time and, in severe cases, falls asleep involuntarily several times every day. Narcolepsy can develop at any age, but it commonly starts either during the teenage years or in middle age. A person with narcolepsy usually has the condition for life.
All people with narcolepsy have extreme levels of fatigue and sleepiness during the day, but how this shows itself can differ. For instance, some people with narcolepsy might fall asleep for 10 to 20 minutes several times every day, whether they want to or not. Others with this condition have more control over their naps and can choose when and where they will sleep, such as during lunch breaks.
Symptoms
As well as extreme sleepiness and a tendency to fall asleep during the day, other symptoms of narcolepsy include:
- Cataplexy – a sudden feeling of weakness in a muscle group, such as the legs, brought on by a powerful emotion such as laughing or anger. This can cause a collapse without loss of consciousness and can last for a few seconds.
- Hypnagogic hallucinations – vivid dream-like perceptions that happen when the person isn’t quite asleep and may involve hallucinations of sight, sound or feeling (seeing or hearing things).
- Sleep paralysis – on waking or at the point of falling asleep, the person feels like they can’t move. This immobilisation can last for a few seconds.
A faulty brain structure is to blame
The hypothalamus is a small structure that sits deep inside the brain. Some of its vital roles include controlling body temperature, appetite and thirst. The hypothalamus is also connected to the reticular activating pathways, which are the brain structures that govern our sleep and wake cycles.
It is thought that narcolepsy is caused by a malfunctioning of the hypothalamus, which prevents these pathways in the brain from working properly. Instead of introducing sleepy feelings towards the end of each day, narcolepsy prompts random sleepiness. Some people with narcolepsy have a deficiency of a wake-promoting chemical called orexin.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. If the symptoms are mild, simple management and coping techniques, like making time for naps during the day, are helpful. In more severe cases, medications that stimulate the brain and nervous system can be used (such as amphetamine, methylphenidate or modafinil).
Other conditions
Narcolepsy is a rare disorder. More common conditions that promote extreme sleepiness include:
- Sleep restriction – not getting enough sleep due to late nights from social activities, TV or computer.
- Jet lag, shift work – the brain’s internal ‘clock’ sets our sleep and wake cycles to coincide with day and night and this rhythm is disrupted by a different time zone or sleeping routine.
- Depression – lethargy to the point of sleepiness is a symptom of this emotional disorder.
- Snoring and/or sleep apnoea – broken sleep over a period of time leads to a sleep debt, which causes daytime sleepiness.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome – thought to be triggered by a viral infection. Other symptoms include weakness, aching muscles, sore throat and headaches.
Where to get help
- Your doctor
- Sleep disorder clinic
Things to remember
- A person with narcolepsy is extremely sleepy all the time and, in severe cases, falls asleep involuntarily several times every day.
- A malfunctioning brain structure called the hypothalamus is at fault.
- Mild cases of narcolepsy can be managed with regular naps, while severe cases need medication.
You might also be interested in:
Hypersomnia.
Sleep - common disorders.
Sleep apnoea.
Sleep problems - insomnia.
Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
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This page has been produced in consultation with, and approved by:
Newcastle Sleep Disorders Centre
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Copyight © 1999/2009 State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.
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This Better Health Channel fact sheet has passed through a rigorous approval process. For the latest updates and more information visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.
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Fact sheet currently being reviewed.
Last updated: July 2008
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Sleep disorders - narcolepsy - Better Health Channel
A person with narcolepsy is extremely sleepy all the time and, in severe cases, falls asleep involuntarily several times every day. It is thought that narcolepsy is caused by a malfunctioning of the hypothalamus in the brain. This is a rare condition with no cure...
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Sleep disorders - narcolepsy - Better Health ChannelA person with narcolepsy is extremely sleepy all the time and, in severe cases, falls asleep involuntarily several times every day. It is thought that narcolepsy is caused by a malfunctioning of the hypothalamus in the brain. This is a rare condition with no cure...
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The information published here was accurate at the time of publication and is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please seek advice from a qualified health care professional.
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