Overview
Narcolepsy is a complex sleep disorder that affects a person's ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles. It is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, which can lead to sudden sleep attacks, and other symptoms such as cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations. These symptoms can ...
Key Terms
Example: People with narcolepsy may fall asleep unexpectedly during the day.
Example: A person may collapse in laughter due to cataplexy.
Example: Some individuals experience sleep paralysis and feel a weight on their chest.
Example: A person may see figures in their room as they drift off.
Example: Students with narcolepsy may struggle to stay awake in class.
Example: A typical sleep cycle lasts about 90 minutes.
Related Topics
Sleep Apnea
A disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep.
intermediateInsomnia
A condition where individuals have difficulty falling or staying asleep.
intermediateRestless Legs Syndrome
A condition causing uncomfortable sensations in the legs, leading to an urge to move them.
intermediateKey Concepts
excessive daytime sleepinesscataplexysleep paralysishypnagogic hallucinations