Summary

• Narcolepsy is a chronic condition characterised by a disruption of the sleep-wake cycle and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep intrusion.
• The classic tetrad of narcolepsy, seen in only 10% to 15% of cases, includes excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic/hypnopompic hallucinations.
• The only clinical manifestation that is specific to narcolepsy is cataplexy.
• Disease onset is usually in the second decade of life.
• Multiple sleep latency test usually shows shortened sleep latency and at least 2 sleep-onset REM periods.
• Therapy involves lifestyle modification, stimulants for daytime sleepiness, and drug treatment for cataplexy.