Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that affects how a person sleeps and stays awake. People with narcolepsy may feel very sleepy during the day and may suddenly fall asleep at unexpected times. These “sleep attacks” can happen even when they are in the middle of doing something.

Narcolepsy can also cause other sleep-related problems, like sudden loss of muscle control, called cataplexy. This means a person’s muscles can suddenly become weak or paralyzed, often triggered by strong emotions like laughter or excitement.

People with narcolepsy may also experience vivid dream-like images or hallucinations when they’re falling asleep or waking up.

Narcolepsy happens because of a problem in the brain, where the body has trouble regulating sleep-wake cycles properly. Though there is no cure, there are treatments available to manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for those with narcolepsy. If someone suspects they have narcolepsy or experiences these symptoms, they should consult a doctor for proper evaluation and care.