narcolepsy
Sudden sleep attacks
Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder causing sudden, uncontrollable episodes of sleep.
Someone with narcolepsy may fall asleep without warning during normal activities—mid-conversation, while eating, or behind the wheel.
The condition often includes cataplexy, a sudden loss of muscle control triggered by strong emotion.
Her narcolepsy made it dangerous to drive.
Emotion-induced muscle paralysis
- hallucinationsPerceptions without external cause
- drowsinessState of near-sleep
- fatigueWeariness from prolonged exertion
- muscle weaknessReduced contractile capacity
vivid dreams · brain fog · microsleep · tiredness · lethargy · somnolence
Brain or nerve disease
- stimulantsAgents that heighten arousal
- diagnosisIdentification of illness
- genetic predispositionInherited increased likelihood
- autoimmuneBody attacks itself
Organizing and directing resources
- copingManaging under strain
- accommodationsPlaces providing temporary residence
- disabilityImpairment affecting life activities
- nappingSleeping briefly, often midday
lifestyle · support groups · awareness · stigma · misdiagnosis · chronic · invisible illness · workplace accommodations
cataplexy
Emotion-induced muscle paralysis
- hallucinationsPerceptions without external cause
- drowsinessState of near-sleep
- fatigueWeariness from prolonged exertion
muscle weakness · vivid dreams · brain fog · microsleep · tiredness · lethargy · somnolence
neurological disorder
Brain or nerve disease
- stimulantsAgents that heighten arousal
- diagnosisIdentification of illness
- genetic predispositionInherited increased likelihood
management
Organizing and directing resources
- copingManaging under strain
- accommodationsPlaces providing temporary residence
- disabilityImpairment affecting life activities
napping · lifestyle · support groups · awareness · stigma · misdiagnosis · chronic · invisible illness · workplace accommodations
emotions
Psychological feeling states
- laughterVocal expression of amusement
- angerIntense hostile emotion
- surpriseUnexpected event causing astonishment
stress · excitement · fear · startle · emotional response · crying · joy
- Neurological DisordersParkinson's, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, dementia
- Rare Diseasesprogeria, Tay-Sachs, Krabbe disease, PKU, tuberous sclerosis
- sleepsleeping, nap, doze, slumber, naps
- sleep problemsinsomnia, night terrors, hypersomnia, nightmares, restless legs
- disordersADHD, disorder, anxiety, dysfunction, autism
- Mental Disordersschizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD
narcolepsyinsomnia
Persistent inability to rest
chronic insomnia · hypervigilance · sleeplessness · wakefulness · alertness