Symptoms

Not everyone with narcolepsy experiences t he same symptoms. Some experience them regularly, while others are less frequently affected.

Symptoms may develop slowlyover a number of years,or suddenly over the course of a few weeks.

Narcolepsy is usually a long-term (chronic) condition, although some of the symptoms may improve as you get older.

You should make an appointment to see your GP if you think you may have narcolepsy so they can determine what's causing your symptoms. If necessary, you'll be referred to a sleep disorder specialist, who can confirm the diagnosis.

People with narcolepsy may be misjudged as being lazy or rude.

Sleep attacks

Sleep attacksfalling asleep suddenly and without warningare also common in people with narcolepsy. They may occur at any time.

The length of time a sleep attacklasts will vary from person to person. Some people will only have "microsleeps" lasting a few seconds, whereas others may fall asleep for several minutes.

If narcolepsy isn't well controlled, sleep attacksmay happen several times aday.

Cataplexy

Most people who have narcolepsy also experience cataplexy sudden, temporary muscle weakness or loss of muscular control.

Typical symptoms are:

• the jaw dropping
• the head slumping down
• legs collapsing uncontrollably
• slurred speech
• Double vision orfinding it difficult to focus

Cataplexy attacks are usually triggered by an emotion, such as excitement, laughter, anger or surprise. Attacks can last from a few seconds to several minutes.

Some people with narcolepsy have cataplexy attacks once or twice a year, while others experience them several times a day.In an attempt to avoid attacks, some people maybecome emotionally withdrawn and socially isolated.

Sleep paralysis

Some people with narcolepsy experience episodes of sleep paralysis . This is atemporary inability to move or speak thatoccurs when waking up or falling asleep.

The episodes can last from a few seconds to several minutes. Although sleep paralysis doesn't cause any harm, being unable to move can be frightening.

Other symptoms

As well as the symptoms described above, narcolepsy can cause a number of other symptoms, including:

• hallucinations seeing or hearing things that aren't real, particularly when going to sleep or waking up; a presence in the bedroom is the most commonly reported hallucination
• memory problems
• headaches
• restless sleep for example, having hot flushes, waking up frequently, having vivid nightmares ,or physically acting out dreams
• automatic behaviour continuing with an activity without having any recollection of it afterwards
• depression

Speak to your GP if you have narcolepsy and it's making you feel low or depressed.

Your GP can advise you about how to minimise the effect narcolepsy has on yourdaily life. They can also put you in touch with a narcolepsy organisation or support group, such as Narcolepsy UK .