Narcolepsy

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.

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep boundary disorder that affects the control of sleep and wakefulness with rapid eye movement sleep intrusion into the wake state. In its classic form, seen in only 10% to 15% of cases, it is characterised by a tetrad of excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy (generalised muscle weakness leading to partial or complete collapse), hypnagogic/hypnopompic hallucinations (visual or auditory perceptions on falling asleep or on awakening), and sleep paralysis.[1]American Academy of Sleep Medicine. International classification of sleep disorders - third edition (ICSD-3). 2014 [internet publication].