Narcolepsy is a disorder characterized by sudden and uncontrollable attacks of deep sleep during normal awake times. These are sometimes accompanied by paralysis and hallucinations. Persons with narcolepsy suddenly sleep when they should be awake. These attacks vary from a few, to many, in a single day. They may last minutes or hours. In contrast to normal sleep, the narcoleptic falls immediately into a deep sleep. The desire to sleep can't be resisted. The patient can be roused from sleep as readily as from normal sleep. Attacks are apt to occur during the times that often lead to normal sleep such as:
* after meals,
* during monotonous tasks,
* during long drives, or
* while reading or watching TV.

Some of these are hazardous conditions, such as while driving, or smoking a cigarette. The person may feel refreshed on awakening, yet falls asleep again in a few minutes. Some people with narcolepsy may also have momentary paralysis. This occurs upon sudden emotional reactions. Feelings such as anger, fear, joy or surprise may cause weakness in the limbs. This may result in a fall.

Narcoleptics often have two symptoms:
* The first is sleep paralysis. Just when falling asleep or waking up, the person wants to move and finds that for a moment he or she cannot.
* The second is unusually vivid sight and sound illusions at the onset of sleep.

The cause of narcolepsy is unknown. Sometimes normal children and adults experience similar symptoms while nothing appears unusual in the brain. Symptoms usually begin in adolescents or young adults and are life long. Narcolepsy is four times more common in men than women, and some people report a family history. It is important for a person with narcolepsy to avoid situations in which a sudden sleep attack might be dangerous, such as driving, skiing, or operating machinery or power tools.

Not all excessive sleepiness is caused by narcolepsy. Your healthcare provider should evaluate the cause of excessive sleepiness. If narcolepsy is diagnosed, certain stimulant drugs and anti-depressants may help to reduce the symptoms.

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