Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a vastly under-diagnosed, misunderstood and potentially disabling
disorder that affects 1 in 2,000 people. Key symptoms are excessive daytime
sleepiness, or sleep attacks, that occur at inappropriate times. Those who suffer from
narcolepsy may fall asleep in meetings, in school, while driving, even while talking to
someone. The condition is also associated with sleep paralysis, vivid dreams while
trying to fall asleep, and in some cases sudden muscle weakness that accompanies
strong emotion.
There is usually a significant delay in the time it takes to diagnose a patient with
narcolepsy, and many patients are misdiagnosed with psychological problems for years
before getting the correct diagnosis and treatment.
The evaluation for narcolepsy
requires a comprehensive history and physical exam, as well as sleep studies
performed at night and during the day. Treatments are available for narcolepsy that can
significantly improve the severe impact this disorder can have on patients’ lives.