Understanding Narcolepsy: A Disruption in Sleep-Wake Balance
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder that causes overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden “sleep attacks.” It results from the brain’s inability to properly regulate sleep cycles, particularly the REM (rapid eye movement) phase.
There are two main types:
lineType 1 Narcolepsy (with cataplexy)
Involves sudden muscle weakness triggered by emotions like laughter or surprise.
lineType 2 Narcolepsy (without cataplexy)
Excessive sleepiness without the loss of muscle control.
Narcolepsy often begins in adolescence or early adulthood, but it can take years to diagnose.
Do These Symptoms Sound Familiar?
- Extreme daytime sleepiness (even after a full night’s sleep)
- Sudden sleep attacks during activities
- Cataplexy – sudden muscle weakness
- Sleep paralysis
- Vivid dreams or hallucinations during sleep-wake transitions
- Fragmented nighttime sleep
Note: Not everyone with narcolepsy experiences all these symptoms.
Diagnosis You Can Trust. Expertise You Can Count On.
At Lakeland Sleep Center, we use a combination of clinical evaluation and advanced sleep testing to accurately diagnose narcolepsy.
Comprehensive Sleep History & Physical Exam
Overnight Sleep Study (Polysomnography) – to rule out other conditions
Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) – measures how quickly and frequently you enter REM sleep during daytime naps
Optional: Hypocretin level testing via spinal fluid (in complex cases)
Trusted Sleep Care. Local Experts. Real Results.
Board-certified sleep specialists with decades of experience
Modern diagnostic and treatment technology
Personalized care plans tailored to your needs and lifestyle
Ongoing support and education
Comfortable in-lab environment and convenient home testing options
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Read More"From now on I will look to him, and to your clinic, whenever I have need for help with my sleep apnea and CPAP"
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