What is "narcolepsy"

1880, from French narcolepsie, coined 1880 by French physician Jean-Baptiste-Édouard Gélineau (1859-1928) from comb. form of Greek narke "numbness, stupor" (see narcotic) + lepsis "an attack, seizure," from leps-, future stem of lambanein "take hold of, grasp" (see analemma). Related: Narcoleptic; narcolept.

n. (context pathology English) A disorder characterized by sudden and uncontrollable attacks of deep sleep, often brief, sometimes accompanied by paralysis and hallucinations

n. a sleep disorder characterized by sudden and uncontrollable episodes of deep sleep; "he believes that narcolepsy is attributable to an inability to suppress REM sleep during waking"

Narcolepsy is a neurological condition most characterized by Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS).

Narcolepsy may also refer to:

• "Narcolepsy" (song), by Third Eye Blind from their 1997 album Third Eye Blind
• "Narcolepsy", song by Ben Folds Five from their 1999 album The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner

Narcolepsy is a long term neurological disorder that involves a decreased ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles. Symptoms include periods of excessive daytime sleepiness that usually lasts from seconds to minutes and may occur at any time. About 70% also have periods of sudden loss of muscle strength, known as cataplexy. These spells can be brought on by strong emotions. Less commonly there may be vivid dreams-like images or the inability to move for a period of time during falling asleep or upon waking-up. The total amount people with narcolepsy sleep; however, remains unchanged.

The cause of narcolepsy is unknown. In up to 10% of cases there is a family history of the disorder. Often those affected have low levels of the neurotransmitter hypocretin which may be due to an autoimmune disorder. Trauma, certain infections, toxins, or psychological stress may also play a role. Diagnosis is typically based on the symptoms and sleep studies, after ruling out other potential causes. Excessive daytime sleepiness can also be caused by other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, major depressive disorder, anemia, heart failure, drinking alcohol, and not getting enough sleep. Cataplexy may be mistaken for seizures.

While there is no cure a number lifestyle changes and medications may help. Lifestyle changes include taking regular short naps and sleep hygiene. Medications used include modafinil, sodium oxybate, and methylphenidate. While initially fairly effective tolerance to the benefits may develop. Tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may improve cataplexy.

About 0.2 to 600 per 100,000 people are affected. The condition often begins in childhood. Males and females are affected equally. Untreated narcolepsy increases the risk of motor vehicle collisions and falls. The term narcolepsy is from the French narcolepsie. The French term was first used in 1880 by Jean-Baptiste-Édouard Gélineau who used the Greek νάρκη (narkē) meaning "numbness" and λῆψις (lepsis) meaning "attack".