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Guide · 2 min read

Narcolepsy Specialist – Diagnosis & Treatment

Expert care for narcolepsy, to help you stay awake and take back control of your day.

Medically reviewed by , board-certified in sleep medicine and pediatrics · Last reviewed

General information, not medical advice. Read our disclaimer.

NARCOLEPSY · BASICS

Narcolepsy at a glance

  • Narcolepsy is a long-term brain condition affecting sleep and waking.
  • Too much daytime sleepiness is the main sign.
  • Type 1 includes cataplexy, sudden muscle weakness from strong feelings.
  • There is no cure yet, but symptoms can be well controlled.
  • Medicine, planned naps and a regular sleep schedule can help.

See a sleep doctor if you…

  • Feel very sleepy during the day
  • Have muscles that suddenly go weak when you laugh or are surprised
  • Briefly cannot move as you fall asleep or wake up
  • See or hear vivid dream-like things as you fall asleep

Narcolepsy is a long-term brain condition. It affects how your brain controls when you sleep and when you wake. Do you feel very sleepy during the day? Do your muscles suddenly go weak? If so, a sleep specialist can help.

What are the types of narcolepsy?

  • Type 1 (with cataplexy) — includes sudden muscle weakness set off by strong feelings
  • Type 2 (without cataplexy) — too much sleepiness, but no sudden muscle weakness

What are the symptoms?

  • Too much sleepiness in the daytime — the main sign
  • Cataplexy — your muscles suddenly go weak or limp. Laughing, surprise, or anger can set it off.
  • Sleep paralysis — for a short time, you can't move as you fall asleep or wake up
  • Hypnagogic hallucinations — vivid, dream-like things you see or hear as you fall asleep
  • Broken sleep at night — waking up often during the night

How is narcolepsy diagnosed?

To find out if you have narcolepsy, you need:

  • Overnight polysomnography (a sleep study) — to rule out other sleep problems
  • Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) — a daytime nap test. It shows how easily you fall asleep in the day.
  • A visit with the doctor — a careful talk about your symptoms

How is narcolepsy treated?

  • Wake-promoting medicines — medicines that help you stay awake
  • Sodium oxybate — a medicine for cataplexy and for sleep at night
  • Planned naps — short naps at the right times can help you feel more alert
  • Lifestyle changes — keep a regular sleep schedule and avoid alcohol

Call (512) 931-1575 to book a narcolepsy visit.

NARCOLEPSY · TREATMENT

Treatment options

Wake-promoting medicines

What it isMedicines that help you stay awake.

Who it helpsPeople with too much daytime sleepiness.

Good to knowSymptoms can be well controlled, though there is no cure yet.

Sodium oxybate

What it isA medicine for cataplexy and for sleep at night.

Who it helpsPeople with cataplexy or broken nighttime sleep.

Good to knowYour sleep doctor will decide if it fits you.

Planned naps

What it isShort naps at the right times.

Who it helpsAnyone with narcolepsy who wants to feel more alert.

Good to knowTiming matters, so plan naps with your doctor.

Lifestyle changes

What it isA regular sleep schedule and avoiding alcohol.

Who it helpsAnyone with narcolepsy.

Good to knowWorks best together with other treatments.

NARCOLEPSY · DIAGNOSIS

How narcolepsy is diagnosed

  1. 1

    Talk with the doctor

    Your doctor asks carefully about your symptoms.

  2. 2

    Overnight sleep study

    A night sleep study helps rule out other sleep problems.

  3. 3

    Daytime nap test

    The next day, the MSLT shows how fast you fall asleep.

    Key point

Common questions

How is narcolepsy diagnosed?
Narcolepsy is found with an overnight sleep study. The next day, you take a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). This daytime nap test shows how fast you fall asleep and if you reach REM sleep (the dreaming stage) too quickly.
Can narcolepsy be cured?
There is no cure for narcolepsy yet. But symptoms can be well controlled with medicine, lifestyle changes, and planned naps.

Trusted medical sources

This page follows guidance and research from leading medical organizations.

AASMNHLBISleep FoundationMayo ClinicCDC

Further reading

Part of our narcolepsy and hypersomnia service.

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