Narcolepsy affects how you sleep and stay awake. You can feel very sleepy during the day and may suddenly fall asleep without warning.
Narcolepsy symptoms can come and go or change over time. Some days you might feel very sleepy and have sleep attacks, while other days you feel more awake and alert.
However, narcolepsy is a long-term condition with no known cure currently.
Narcolepsy is caused by problems in the brain that affect sleep regulation.
Because the brain chemical (hypocretin) that controls wakefulness can go up or down, your symptoms may be stronger or weaker at different times.
Also, how well your symptoms are managed can affect how often and how much you experience them.
The intensity of your symptoms can also vary based on factors like:
- stress
- sleep habits
- illness
- medication
Though narcolepsy is not curable, there are many things you can do to help manage your symptoms and reduce their severity and frequency.
It is not thought that narcolepsy gets worse as you get older, though symptoms can change with age.
If you experience sudden sleep attacks or feel very sleepy during the day, it’s important to see a healthcare professional for help, as you may have narcolepsy or another sleep disorder.
If you have narcolepsy but it’s getting worse or not managed well enough, speak with a medical professional who can help you manage it better or assess you for other conditions.
Narcolepsy is a long-term condition, but the right treatment and management can help with your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
For everything sleep-related:
Explore our Sleep Health hub or sign up for our Sleep Well newsletter.