Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is when a person may have uncontrolled periodic episodes of sleep anytime during the day or night. Excessive sleepiness is the main symptom of Narcolepsy but there are other symptoms of narcolepsy as well. There are two major symptoms that may occur with Narcolepsy which are sudden Sleepiness or Cataplexy. The two less occurring symptoms of Narcolepsy are Sleep Paralysis and Hypnagogic Hallucinations.

Narcolepsy: Cataplexy

Cataplexy is a sudden weakness in muscles and may even cause a temporary paralysis that is triggered by a strong emotion; this could be dangerous and scary to a Narcoleptic. For example, an individual with Narcolepsy will find something funny or become angry, this could bring on a Cataplexy attack where the individual may have severe muscle weakness or even slump over in a paralyzed state. Most Cataplexy attacks last only a few seconds, but in rare cases it may last up to a half hour.

Narcolepsy: Sleep Paralysis

Sleep Paralysis is very similar to Cataplexy but only occurs just before or after falling asleep and lasts only a few minutes. The individual with Sleep Paralysis may be become alert but is unable to move until outside stimulation (typically touch). This also may be extremely frightening especially if it occurs with a Hypnagogic Hallucination.

Narcolepsy: Hypnagogic Hallucination

Hypnagogic Hallucinations occur during the transition between wakefulness and sleep where vivid dreams may cause an intense sensation that something or someone scary is in their presence. The more common reported Hypnagogic Hallucinations are drowning, fire, or being attacked by a person they may or may not know.