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• Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that is caused by the brain not being able to regulate sleep and wake cycles properly. Narcolepsy is classified by excessive daytime sleepiness, and can cause the person to nod off at any given time staying asleep for a few seconds to several minutes. The cause remains unknown and can have adverse affects on all parts of life. Many people with narcolepsy endure many years of daytime sleepiness without seeking treatment because being sleepy is not usually and indication of a disease. There is ongoing research to determine if an abnormal gene may be responsible for narcolepsy or if the body's immune system might be involved.

• Fast Facts:

  1. Effects more than 1 in 2,000 Americans
  2. Effects both sexes equally
  3. First symptoms usually develop in young adults
  4. Can produce hallucinations
  5. Unknown if it is hereditary
  6. Symptoms may vary during life span
  7. Second leading cause of daytime sleepiness
  8. Do not sleep more than the average person
  9. Chronic condition that doesn't go away completely
  10. People with narcolepsy often experience a temporary inability to move or speak
  11. Usually begins in teenagers or young adults and affects both sexes equally
  12. Often remains undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years
  13. There is currently no treatment
  14. Medications and lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms
  15. Sometimes mistaken for depression, seizure disorder, fainting
  16. Believed to be caused by hypocretin production in the brain

  Disclaimer: The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Narcolepsy, please consult your doctor

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  Excessive Daytime Sleepiness | Cataplexy | Chronic Fatigue Syndrome | Insomnia | Provigil (Modafinil) | Hallucinations | Sleep Apnea | Night Terrors | Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) | Shift Work Sleep Disorder | Sleepwalking | Snoring | Sleep

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