What is narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder of sleep-wake regulation caused by hypocretin deficiency. It causes excessive daytime sleepiness with irresistible sleep attacks, and in ~70% of cases, cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness triggered by emotion).
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Diagnosis
Overnight polysomnography followed by Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) showing short sleep latency and sleep-onset REM periods. CSF hypocretin-1 measurement confirms Type 1 when available.
Treatment
Stimulants (modafinil, armodafinil) for daytime sleepiness, sodium oxybate for cataplexy, antidepressants for cataplexy, scheduled naps, consistent sleep schedule, safety precautions for driving.