Facebook Pixel

Narcolepsy Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms usually start during the teenage years. Onset may range from 5 to 50 years old. Symptoms may worsen with aging. They may improve in women after menopause.

Symptoms include:

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Daytime involuntary sleep attacks
  • Unrefreshing sleep
  • Sudden loss of muscle tone without loss of consciousness (cataplexy)
  • Temporary paralysis while awakening
  • Frightening mental images that appear as one falls asleep
  • Memory problems
  • Symptoms may be triggered by:
    • A monotonous environment
    • A warm environment
    • Eating a large meal
    • Strong emotions

Brainstem—Area of Brain Related to Alertness

GM00010_97870_brainstem.jpg
© 2009 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. If narcolepsy is suspected, you may be referred to a specialist in sleep disorders.

Tests may include:

  • Multiple sleep latency test (MSLT)—measures the onset of rapid eye movement sleep, which occurs earlier than normal in narcolepsy
  • General sleep lab study—often performed the night before an MSLT; helps to rule out other causes of daytime sleepiness by monitoring:
    • Brain waves
    • Eye movements
    • Muscle activity
    • Respiration
    • Heart beat
    • Blood oxygen levels
    • Total nighttime sleep
    • Amount of nighttime REM sleep
    • Time of onset of REM sleep
    • Degree of daytime sleepiness

ASK Your Health Question

It's FREE and you'll get a response within 24 hours

ASK

POST Info, Tips & Stories

Inspire others to learn from your experiences. Tell your story!

POST
Get Email Updates

Related Topics

Narcolepsy Guide

HERWriter Guide

Have a question? We're here to help. Ask the Community.

ASK

Health Newsletter

Receive the latest and greatest in women's health and wellness from EmpowHER - for free!