Valley Forge Military Academy and College

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by periods of sudden sleep attacks and drowsiness in the daytime. Those with type 1 narcolepsy may experience cataplexy, or weakness in muscle tone, drowsiness, and involuntary movements while they are awake. Many patients suffer from hypnagogic hallucinations, sleep paralysis, and disturbed sleep. Studies have emerged linking narcolepsy with various other conditions, ranging from neurodegenerative disease to cardiovascular health. However, the dangers of narcolepsy go beyond the presence of physical hindrances in an individual’s life; they can go as far as threatening an individual’s emotional and mental well-being.