Narcolepsy

It is a central nervous system disorder where an individual involuntarily and suddenly falls into a deep sleep within seconds during the day (while driving, speaking, eating), regardless of how high-quality their nocturnal sleep was.

It is the most distinctive and dramatic clinical finding of narcolepsy. It refers to the sudden loss of muscle tone and subsequent collapse during abrupt and intense emotional changes, such as laughing, anger, or surprise, while the individual's consciousness remains completely intact.

The fundamental cause of the disease is the absence or destruction of the neurotransmitter called 'Orexin (Hipokretin)', which maintains wakefulness and regulates appetite in the brain, due to autoimmune or genetic factors.

Yes, patients experience sleep paralysis where they are unable to move their bodies while falling asleep or waking up. Simultaneously, they experience highly realistic and frightening (hipnagojik) hallucinations where dreams appear to continue while awake.

The patient is admitted to a sleep laboratory under the supervision of a sleep specialist. A definitive diagnosis is established via Polysomnography, which measures nocturnal sleep, and the 'Multiple Sleep Latency Test' (MSLT), which measures daytime sleep latency and the rate of transition into REM sleep.

There is no definitive cure, but it is managed exceptionally well with medications. Specific central nervous system stimulants (Modafinil) are prescribed to maintain daytime wakefulness. For cataplexy attacks and hallucinations, certain antidepressants regulating the sleep cycle or sodium oxybate are utilized.