Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the region of the central nervous system that regulates sleep and wakefulness. Symptoms of narcolepsy generally appear in the second decade of life. It affects an estimated 200,000 Americans and is characterized by the following signs and symptoms:*

• Sudden, uncontrollable episodes of sleep at inappropriate times, such as while having dinner, talking, driving or working.

• Sudden episodes of loss of muscle tone, ranging from slight weakness (such as limpness at the neck or knees, sagging facial muscles, or inability to speak clearly) to complete body collapse (This can be precipitated by intense emotion, such as laughter or anger.)

•  Inability to talk or move when falling asleep or waking up.

•  Vivid, often unpleasant, dream-like experiences that occur while dozing or falling asleep.

•  Disrupted nighttime sleep with frequent awakenings.

•  Performance of routine tasks without memory of the action.

•  Learning and memory difficulties. 

* Not all individuals with narcolepsy experience every sign or symptom.
For more information on narcolepsy and narcolepsy research visit the National Sleep Foundation's Narcolepsy Info Page