What is narcolepsy?
A person with narcolepsy has a sleep disorder that results in abnormal daytime sleepiness. Narcolepsy often causes uncontrollable attacks of deep sleep. These attacks may be accompanied by cataplexy, which are sudden attacks of muscular weakness and loss of muscle tone that may cause the person to fall. The cause of narcolepsy is unknown.

What are the symptoms of narcolepsy?
Excessive daytime sleepiness is the most common symptom of narcolepsy. Many people with narcolepsy fall asleep suddenly, without warning. Additional symptoms of narcolepsy include cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations, which are vivid dreams that occur while falling to sleep.

How does the doctor treat narcolepsy?
Treatment for narcolepsy includes a regular sleep schedule, regular exercise, and medication.