The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Narcolepsy

Causes and management of this sleep disorder presenting with sudden sleep attacks and cataplexy.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Nöroloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder caused by damage to nerve cells in the brain that produce hypocretin (orexin). Excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks are the main symptoms. Type 1 narcolepsy is accompanied by cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness during strong emotion).

Narcolepsy is associated with an autoimmune mechanism in which the immune system attacks hypocretin-producing neurons. The reporting of some cases after H1N1 vaccination has provided evidence in favor of this mechanism.

Narcolepsy is not life-threatening; however, it can have serious negative impacts on driving, work safety and social life. With appropriate treatment and lifestyle adjustments, symptoms can be significantly controlled.

Symptoms

Persistent excessive daytime sleepiness
Sudden and uncontrollable sleep attacks
Cataplexy: sudden muscle weakness during emotion such as laughter or surprise
Sleep paralysis: brief inability to move while waking up or falling asleep
Hypnagogic hallucinations: vivid, frightening images during sleep onset
Fragmented night sleep and frequent awakenings

Risk Factors

Family history of narcolepsy
Carrying HLA-DQB1*06:02 allele
Autoimmune predisposition
Streptococcal infection or H1N1 virus exposure
Head trauma or brain tumor (secondary narcolepsy)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • If you have sudden daytime sleep attacks and cannot prevent them
  • If sudden tightening or falling occurs during emotion
  • If driving or working has become dangerous
  • If night sleep quality is constantly disturbed

Treatment Methods

01
Modafinil or armodafinil (wakefulness-promoting agents for daytime sleepiness)
02
Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) — treats both cataplexy and daytime sleepiness
03
SNRI or tricyclic antidepressants (for cataplexy)
04
Scheduled short naps (2-3 times/day for 15-20 minutes)
05
Sleep hygiene education and night sleep schedule
06
Individual counseling for driving and work safety

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Nöroloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Nöroloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Headache and Migraine

Nöroloji

What you need to know about headache types, migraine attacks, and triggering factors.

Low Back Pain

Nöroloji

Learn about the most common causes of low back pain, risk factors, and appropriate treatment approaches.

Neck Pain and Cervical Disc Herniation

Nöroloji

Learn about the symptoms and treatment options for cervical disc herniation and problems in the neck region.

Epilepsy

Nöroloji

Accurate information about epilepsy, types of seizures, and recommendations for patients and families.

Parkinson Disease

Nöroloji

Parkinson disease is caused by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and alpha-synuclein accumulation; well-timed therapy substantially improves function and quality of life.

Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

Nöroloji

Information about early signs, diagnosis, and the care process for Alzheimer's and other types of dementia.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Nöroloji

What is multiple sclerosis, who is at risk, and which treatments are applied?

Stroke

Nöroloji

What is stroke, what are the FAST signs, and why is emergency intervention critical?

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.