What is narcolepsy? part 1

Narcolepsy is a very rare sleeping disorder which presents with an inability to keep awake during daytime. The disorder is also characterized by sudden attacks of sleep over which the individual has no control. Individuals who have narcolepsy have great difficulty staying awake for long periods of time. Narcolepsy is a serious disorder which can profoundly affects one's ability to function. Narcolepsy varies in severity and is often mistaken for other medical disorders like seizures, depression, fainting spells, excess fatigue or other sleep related disorders.

Unfortunately narcolepsy has no cure but the disorder does stabilize in the later years of life. By altering lifestyle and using potent brain stimulating medications, narcolepsy can be partially managed. In the USA it is estimated that about 1 in 2000 people may have narcolepsy.

Excessive daytime sleepiness is the universal complaint. Most individuals complain that the desire to sleep is sudden and uncontrollable. The individual may fall asleep without any warning and at any time. Some individuals fall asleep for a few minutes or a few hours and then suddenly wake up refreshed and the same pattern repeats itself over and over again.

Besides excess sleep, one may also experience decreased alertness and an inability to concentrate.