Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder in which the brain does not regulate sleep-wake cycles as it should. Overwhelming daytime sleepiness occurs many times during the day, causing disruptions in daily activities. The most common symptom is excessive daytime sleepiness. The second most common symptom among sufferers is cataplexy, a sudden loss of muscle tone that leads to feelings of weakness and a loss of voluntary muscle control. Other symptoms of narcolepsy may include sleep paralysis and hypnogogic hallucinations. Narcolepsy treatment often involves medication to keep the person awake during the day.