Narcolepsy Treatment
Narcolepsy causes overwhelming daytime sleepiness and sudden episodes of sleep that can disrupt work, school, and driving. The sleep specialists at Sleep Health MD diagnose narcolepsy with specialized testing and provide long-term management for patients in Santa Cruz, Freedom, Sunnyvale, and Monterey.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is Narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological sleep disorder that affects the brain’s ability to regulate sleep and wakefulness. People with narcolepsy feel extremely tired during the day and may fall asleep suddenly, with little or no warning. Because staying awake for long periods is difficult, narcolepsy can have a major impact on daily life. There are two main types: narcolepsy type 1, which includes cataplexy, and narcolepsy type 2, which does not.
What Symptoms Does Narcolepsy Cause?
- Excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep episodes
- Cataplexy – a sudden loss of muscle tone, often triggered by strong emotions like laughter
- Hallucinations when falling asleep or waking up
- Sleep paralysis – a temporary inability to move or speak when falling asleep or waking
- Fragmented nighttime sleep with frequent awakenings
- Automatic behaviors, such as continuing a task without remembering it
What Causes Narcolepsy?
The precise cause of narcolepsy is not fully understood. Researchers are studying several factors that may increase risk:
- Low levels of hypocretin (orexin), a brain chemical that regulates REM sleep and wakefulness
- Genetic history
- Exposure to certain infections, such as the H1N1 virus (swine flu)
How Is Narcolepsy Diagnosed?
Diagnosis relies on several sources of information. Your provider will review your sleep history in detail, so it’s important to be open about your symptoms. Testing typically includes an overnight in-lab sleep study to rule out other conditions such as sleep apnea, followed by a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT), a daytime nap study that measures how quickly you fall asleep and whether you enter REM sleep. These tests also help distinguish narcolepsy from idiopathic hypersomnia.
How Is Narcolepsy Treated?
There is no cure for narcolepsy, but symptoms can be well managed. Lifestyle changes that often help include following a consistent sleep schedule, taking short scheduled naps, avoiding alcohol and nicotine, and exercising regularly. Many patients also benefit from medication, which may include:
- Wake-promoting agents and stimulants, such as modafinil, armodafinil, and methylphenidate
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine
- Tricyclic antidepressants, such as protriptyline, imipramine, and clomipramine
- Sodium oxybate and other oxybate medications
The most suitable medication depends on many factors, and your narcolepsy specialist will recommend options after an in-person evaluation and monitor your progress over time.
Narcolepsy in Teens and Young Adults
Narcolepsy symptoms often begin in adolescence or early adulthood and are sometimes mistaken for laziness or depression. Our pediatric sleep services help younger patients get an accurate diagnosis. Learn about related conditions like parasomnias and REM sleep behavior disorder, or browse all conditions we treat.
Narcolepsy Treatment FAQs
What are the first signs of narcolepsy?
Excessive daytime sleepiness is usually the first symptom. Cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hallucinations may develop later.
What is cataplexy?
Cataplexy is a sudden, brief loss of muscle tone triggered by strong emotions such as laughter or surprise. It occurs in narcolepsy type 1.
How is narcolepsy diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves an overnight in-lab sleep study followed by a multiple sleep latency test, along with a detailed sleep history.
Can narcolepsy be cured?
There is no cure, but medication and lifestyle strategies can effectively manage symptoms for most patients.
Can people with narcolepsy drive?
Many people with well-controlled narcolepsy can drive safely. Your provider will discuss driving safety based on your symptoms and treatment.
At what age does narcolepsy start?
Narcolepsy often begins in the teens or twenties, though it can start at any age.
How do I schedule a narcolepsy evaluation?
Call (844) 387-5337 or request an appointment online with Sleep Health MD.
Take Control of Narcolepsy
With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can stay more alert and in control of your day. Call (844) 387-5337 or request an appointment online.