Passer au contenu principal

narcolepsie

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder that disrupts the normal sleep-wake cycle. Although this condition can appear at any age, it most often begins in adolescence.

Description

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder that disrupts the normal sleep-wake cycle. Although this condition can appear at any age, it most often begins in adolescence.

Narcolepsy is characterised by excessive daytime sleepiness. Affected individuals feel tired during the day, and several times a day they may experience an overwhelming urge to sleep. "Sleep attacks" can occur at unusual times, such as during a meal or in the middle of a conversation. They last from a few seconds to a few minutes and often lead to a longer nap, after which affected individuals wake up feeling refreshed.

Another common feature of narcolepsy is cataplexy, which is a sudden loss of muscle tone in response to strong emotion (such as laughing, surprise, or anger). These episodes of muscle weakness can cause an affected person to slump over or fall, which occasionally leads to injury. Episodes of cataplexy usually last just a few seconds, and they may occur from several times a day to a few times a year. Most people diagnosed with narcolepsy also have cataplexy. However, some do not, which has led researchers to distinguish two major forms of the condition: narcolepsy with cataplexy and narcolepsy without cataplexy.

Narcolepsy also affects nighttime sleep. Most affected individuals have trouble sleeping for more than a few hours at night. They often experience vivid hallucinations while falling asleep (hypnogogic hallucinations) or while waking up (hypnopompic hallucinations). Affected individuals often have realistic and distressing dreams, and they may act out their dreams by moving excessively or talking in their sleep. Many people with narcolepsy also experience sleep paralysis, which is an inability to move or speak for a short period while falling asleep or awakening. The combination of hallucinations, vivid dreams, and sleep paralysis is often frightening and unpleasant for affected individuals.

Some people with narcolepsy have all of the major features of the disorder, while others have only one or two. Most of the signs and symptoms persist throughout life, although episodes of cataplexy may become less frequent with age and treatment.

Inheritance patterns

The source lists the following possible inheritance patterns: Pattern unknown. More than one pattern can apply in different cases.

Other names

Gelineau syndrome

Narcoleptic syndrome

Related patient information and medicines

Narcolepsie et cataplexie

Patient information leaflet

Narcolepsie et cataplexie

Narcolepsy is a long-term (chronic) problem that affects your sleep. You feel excessively tired during the daytime but have disturbed night-time sleep. You can also have sleep attacks where you fall asleep during the day without any warning. Many people with narcolepsy also have cataplexy. This is a condition in which you have sudden loss of.

Échelle de somnolence d'Epworth

Patient information leaflet

Échelle de somnolence d'Epworth

Feeling excessively sleepy during the day can be caused by a range of issues, including: Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep Sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnoea, restless legs syndrome , or insomnia Narcolepsy , a neurological disorder that disrupts sleep–wake cycles Shift work , jet lag, or irregular sleep patterns Mental health.

Paralysie du sommeil

Patient information leaflet

Paralysie du sommeil

If you have sleep paralysis you are awake but you are unable to move your body (paralysis) and unable to speak when you wake up from sleep. What is sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis happens when someone is awake and conscious, but the part of the brain that controls their muscles is in 'sleep mode'. Having experienced a tra... Genetics; some.

Cholangite biliaire primitive

Patient information leaflet

Cholangite biliaire primitive

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a condition that slowly damages the bile ducts in your liver, leading to liver damage and, sometimes, liver scarring (cirrhosis). What is primary biliary cholangitis. No medicines seem clearly to ease tiredness (fatigue) which is often a main symptom. A medicine called modafinil (usually used in narcolepsy) is.

Dexamfétamine pour la narcolepsie et le TDAH

Medicine leaflet

Dexamfétamine pour la narcolepsie et le TDAH

About dexamfetamine Type of medicine A stimulant Used for narcolepsie in adults, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children aged 6-18 years Also known as (UK) Amfexa® Also known as (USA) Dextroamphetamine; Dexedrine®, Adderall® Available as Tablets, oral solution; modified-release capsules (in US) Narcolepsy is a long-term.

Comprimés de modafinil

Medicine leaflet

Comprimés de modafinil

About modafinil Type of medicine A central nervous system stimulant Used for Daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsie in adults Also called Provigil® Available as Tablets narcolepsie is a long-term problem that affects your sleep. You feel excessively tired during the daytime but ... Although there is no cure for narcolepsy, modafinil can help.

Lectures complémentaires et références

Historique de l'article

Les informations sur cette page sont rédigées et examinées par des cliniciens qualifiés.
  • 8 nov. 2023 | Dernière version
  • 1 Dec 2010 | Publié à l'origine

Participez à la conversation

Partagez vos pensées ou expériences avec les autres dans notre communautés de patients.

Avertissement : The views expressed in the community do not represent medical advice. For any health concerns, consult your GP or healthcare provider.
vérificateur d'éligibilité à la grippe

Demandez, partagez, connectez-vous.

Parcourez les discussions, posez des questions et partagez vos expériences sur des centaines de sujets de santé.

Inscrivez-vous à la newsletter Patient

Votre dose hebdomadaire de conseils de santé clairs et fiables - rédigés pour vous aider à vous sentir informé, confiant et maître de la situation.

Veuillez entrer une adresse e-mail valide

En vous abonnant, vous acceptez notre Politique de confidentialité. Vous pouvez vous désabonner à tout moment. Nous ne vendons jamais vos données.