Narcolepsy Is a Chronic, 24/7 Sleep-Wake Disorder
Sleep-wake cycle
Narcolepsy affects the brain’s ability to control your sleep-wake cycles, disrupting both your days and nights
In people with narcolepsy, sleep interrupts wake and wake interrupts sleep.
With narcolepsy, sleep is less consolidated and you don't move through sleep stages as intended. People with narcolepsy tend to wake up more often and have more shifts from deeper stages of sleep to lighter stages of sleep and wake.
“Before starting treatment, even if I slept a full 8, sometimes 10 hours, I would still fall asleep the next day during class and have to take naps.”
TYLER
living with narcolepsy
Tyler was compensated by Alkermes. Individual results may vary.
Common narcolepsy symptoms
Explore common narcolepsy symptoms
There are 2 types of narcolepsy:
Narcolepsy type 1, narcolepsy with cataplexy
Narcolepsy type 2, narcolepsy without cataplexy
Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS):
A persistent feeling of sleepiness that disrupts your day
- Usually the first symptom people notice
- Can occur at random or during less active situations, such as when watching TV
- Can happen no matter how much you slept the night before
Cataplexy:
Sudden attacks of muscle weakness, often triggered by strong emotions
- Can be mild and feel like knees buckling, or as severe as full-body paralysis
- Usually lasts for a few seconds or minutes
- People remain entirely conscious, even if they are temporarily unable to speak or move
While everyone with narcolepsy has some level of daytime sleepiness, not everyone will experience cataplexy.
An invisible condition
Narcolepsy may sometimes feel like an “invisible condition”
It can take up to 19 years from when symptoms first start to receive an accurate diagnosis. Some people with narcolepsy may even experience social stigma from those who don’t understand the condition.
“Trying to get a diagnosis? I mean, this was a 15-year-long journey so it was definitely discouraging at times.”
LAUREN
living with narcolepsy
Lauren was compensated by Alkermes. Individual results may vary.
Treatment may help you reclaim some of your day from the symptoms of narcolepsy
It’s important to share all of your narcolepsy symptoms, experiences, and goals with your healthcare provider so that you can work together to find the best treatment for you.
Learn about extended-release oxybate therapy
Find discussion tools for your next appointment and more
