What is narcolepsy? Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the brain's ability to control sleep-wake cycles. People with ...SkiptomaincontentSubmitSearchCOVID-19Getthelatestfunding,research,andpublichealthinformationfromNINDSGetthelatestresearchinformationfromNIH|EspañolGetthelatestpublichealthinformationfromHHSGetthelatestpublichealthinformationfromCDCYouarehereHome»Disorders»Patient&CaregiverEducation»FactSheetsNarcolepsyFactSheetWhatisnarcolepsy?Whogetsnarcolepsy?Whatarethesymptoms?Whatarethetypesofnarcolepsy?Whatcausesnarcolepsy?Howisnarcolepsydiagnosed?Whattreatmentsareavailable?Whatbehavioralstrategieshelppeoplecopewithsymptoms?Whatisthestateofthescienceinvolvingnarcolepsy?Whatresearchisbeingdone?HowcanIhelpresearch?WherecanIgetmoreinformation?Whatisnarcolepsy?Narcolepsyisachronicneurologicaldisorderthataffectsthebrain’sabilitytocontrolsleep-wakecycles. Peoplewithnarcolepsymayfeelrestedafterwaking,butthenfeelverysleepythroughoutmuchoftheday. Manyindividualswithnarcolepsyalsoexperienceunevenandinterruptedsleepthatcaninvolvewakingupfrequentlyduringthenight.   Narcolepsycangreatlyaffectdailyactivities. Peoplemayunwillinglyfallasleepeveniftheyareinthemiddleofanactivitylikedriving,eating,ortalking. Othersymptomsmayincludesuddenmuscleweaknesswhileawakethatmakesapersongolimporunabletomove(cataplexy),vividdream-likeimagesorhallucinations,andtotalparalysisjustbeforefallingasleeporjustafterwakingup(sleepparalysis).  Inanormalsleepcycle,apersonentersrapideyemovement(REM)sleepafterabout60to90minutes. DreamsoccurduringREMsleep,andthebrainkeepsmuscleslimpduringthissleepstage,whichpreventspeoplefromactingouttheirdreams. PeoplewithnarcolepsyfrequentlyenterREMsleeprapidly,within15minutesoffallingasleep. Also,themuscleweaknessordreamactivityofREMsleepcanoccurduringwakefulnessorbeabsentduringsleep. Thishelpsexplainsomesymptomsofnarcolepsy.Ifleftundiagnosedoruntreated,narcolepsycaninterferewithpsychological,social,andcognitivefunctionanddevelopmentandcaninhibi