Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a long-term brain condition that disturbs the control of sleeping and waking. Sleepiness can arrive at any hour, sometimes in the middle of a conversation or a task, and it is often mistaken for laziness.
Medicine used to treat Narcolepsy
Key points
- Cataplexy is a brief loss of muscle control, often triggered by laughter, anger or another strong emotion, and sleep paralysis can occur too.
- Symptoms usually begin in adolescence, though diagnosis is often made between the ages of 20 and 40.
- Untreated narcolepsy can interfere with emotional wellbeing, social contact and clear thinking, and affect school or work.
What it is
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder in which the brain cannot properly regulate sleep and wake cycles. Estimates suggest about 30,000 people in the UK, with men and women affected equally.
Symptoms
Excessive daytime sleepiness is the main feature, with sleep attacks that come without warning. Someone may wake feeling rested and still be very sleepy for much of the day.
Treatment
There is no cure. A firm bedtime routine, short planned naps and medicine that eases daytime sleepiness and prevents cataplexy attacks all help. Provigil tablets, 100 mg and 200 mg, contain modafinil, a wake-promoting medicine listed for narcolepsy; the modafinil page describes the ingredient.
When to see a doctor
Driving may be affected once narcolepsy is diagnosed: stop driving and tell the licensing authority. Specialist advice is needed promptly if sleepiness makes driving or machinery use unsafe.
What the sources say
- Narcolepsy is a rare long-term brain condition that can remove a person’s choice of when to sleep or wake (NHS).
- People with narcolepsy face a higher risk of heart disease and other serious heart problems (NINDS).
Further reading
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