Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a clinical disorder that involves a collection of symptoms. Chronic daytime sleepiness despite appropriate sleep opportunity is absolutely required for the diagnosis. At times, the desire to sleep becomes so overwhelming that small “cat naps” are required throughout the day to feel refreshed. Individuals may also experience episodes of cataplexy (muscle weakness associated with expression of emotion), muscle paralysis during sleep-wake transitions, and dream-like images experienced when they are awake.